Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Launched in 1998, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is the second leading way to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker after Express Entry. Nearly every province and territory operate the PNP to welcome skilled workers from all over the world to help strengthen their economies.

Under Canada’s Constitution, the federal government and each province and territory share the authority to manage the country’s immigration system.

Each PNP has at least one immigration stream that is aligned with the federal Express Entry immigration selection system. Provincial nominations issued under these Express Entry-aligned streams are known as ‘enhanced nominations’. The benefits of enhanced PNP streams are that they award Express Entry candidates an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, which essentially guarantee they will receive a permanent residence invitation under Express Entry. Another major benefit is they can have their permanent residence application processed by the federal government quicker, typically within six months. The other way to obtain permanent residence through the PNP is under a ‘base’ stream. Here, you apply to a PNP stream directly and once you obtain a provincial nomination, the federal government will process your permanent residence application.

You can apply for the Canada Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in two ways. The ways are

  • Express Entry system
  • Non- Express Entry system

The Express Entry system can be classified in two ways

  • The candidates make an Express Entry profile.
  • After the submission of necessary documents, they reach the Express Entry pool.
  • Thereafter, the different territories and provinces look for suitable applicants.
  • If the applicant gets picked by any PNP, they get the NOI (Notification of Interest).
  • Now, the candidates can submit the application to the province for nomination under the PNP program 
  • Upon the approval of an application, the candidate will be allocated an additional 600 points in the Express Entry comprehensive ranking system

Non- Express Entry system

  • Select an appropriate province based on the eligibility criteria.
  • Submit the EOI (Expression of Interest) under the qualifying stream.
  • The application will be evaluated based on the points system of the specific province or territory.
  • Upon selection, the applicants receive a nomination letter.
  • After this, the candidates must submit an application for a Permanent Residency visa to the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada).

How PNP is the Quickest way to get PR?

  • Increase CRS points: Nomination obtained for Canada PR through a PNP, makes you eligible to get 600 additional CRS points in an express entry system, which helps you get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canada PR from IRCC (Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
  • Low points requirement: A few PNPs don’t demand a high point score or CRS score to invite applicants to apply for provincial nomination.
  • Limited English proficiency: Some key PNPs require limited English proficiency from the applicants and not very high bands score

How can we help you?

  • With more than 80 PNPs to choose from, we know that it can be difficult to narrow down which immigration program may be best for you. Since the easiest province to get PR in Canada will typically depend on your own unique profile, it can be hard to know where to start. If you would like to learn more about Canada’s PNPs or other ways to immigrate to Canada, contact ICC immigration and get the best immigration Experience.
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