The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) enables Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who desire to immigrate to Canada and settle in a specific province, except for Nunavut and Quebec. Quebec has the authority to set its own criteria for economic immigration.
The primary goal of the PNP is to promote a more even distribution of immigrants across Canada. Before the program's launch in 1998, the majority of immigrants settled in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. However, since 1998, the Prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) and Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) have witnessed increased success in attracting immigrants, largely due to the PNP.
Each PNP includes at least one immigration stream aligned with the federal Express Entry system. These Express Entry-aligned streams offer 'enhanced nominations' that grant an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points to Express Entry candidates. This effectively guarantees them an invitation to apply for permanent residence. Furthermore, candidates under these streams benefit from faster processing of their permanent residence applications by the federal government, typically within six months. Alternatively, individuals can also obtain permanent residence through a 'base' stream, where they directly apply to a PNP stream and, upon obtaining provincial nomination, the federal government processes their permanent residence application.
The most important Canada PNP programs include:
The Express Entry program has streamlined immigration for professionals and made the process more transparent.
Key details of the program are:
This is an online program which has no cap on applicants and is open throughout the year The program applies only to Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Traders Program, and Canadian Experience Class Immigration Program You must submit an Expression of Interest and apply as an applicant under any type of job mentioned in Skill Types 0, A and B Your profile will be evaluated based on points and will be placed in the applicant pool Canadian provinces and employers will access this pool and find talent to meet their needs The highest points holders are sent an Invitation to Apply for PR The number of ITAs issued is based on the Annual Immigration Level.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) enables Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who desire to immigrate to Canada and settle in a specific province, except for Nunavut and Quebec. Quebec has the authority to set its own criteria for economic immigration.
The primary goal of the PNP is to promote a more even distribution of immigrants across Canada. Before the program's launch in 1998, the majority of immigrants settled in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. However, since 1998, the Prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) and Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) have witnessed increased success in attracting immigrants, largely due to the PNP.
Each PNP includes at least one immigration stream aligned with the federal Express Entry system. These Express Entry-aligned streams offer 'enhanced nominations' that grant an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points to Express Entry candidates. This effectively guarantees them an invitation to apply for permanent residence. Furthermore, candidates under these streams benefit from faster processing of their permanent residence applications by the federal government, typically within six months. Alternatively, individuals can also obtain permanent residence through a 'base' stream, where they directly apply to a PNP stream and, upon obtaining provincial nomination, the federal government processes their permanent residence application.
The most important Canada PNP programs include:
The Express Entry program has streamlined immigration for professionals and made the process more transparent.
Key details of the program are:
This is an online program which has no cap on applicants and is open throughout the year The program applies only to Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Traders Program, and Canadian Experience Class Immigration Program You must submit an Expression of Interest and apply as an applicant under any type of job mentioned in Skill Types 0, A and B Your profile will be evaluated based on points and will be placed in the applicant pool Canadian provinces and employers will access this pool and find talent to meet their needs The highest points holders are sent an Invitation to Apply for PR The number of ITAs issued is based on the Annual Immigration Level.
You need to have a minimum of 67 points out of 100 to be eligible to apply under the Express Entry program. The Canada Express Entry process follows a points-based system for classifying applicants seeking to settle in Canada. The points are awarded to clients based on a Comprehensive Ranking System or CRS. Points are given to applicants based on skills, experience, Canadian employment status and provincial/territorial nomination. The higher the points, the greater are the chances of getting an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada. Based on the Express Entry points system, every Express Entry draw has a minimum cutoff score. These draws are held at regular intervals. Those applicants with a CRS score equal or above the cutoff score will receive an ITA. If more than one candidate has a score equal to the cutoff score, the one with a long presence in the Express Entry pool will receive an ITA.
You can score the maximum points if you are between 18-35 years. Those above this age will gain lesser points.
Your minimum educational qualification must be equal to the higher secondary education level in Canada. A higher level of educational qualification means more points.
To score the minimum points you should have at least one year of work experience. If you have more years of work experience you will gain more points.
You must have at least 6 bands in your IELTS equivalent to CLB 7 to be eligible to apply and score the minimum points. Higher scores mean more points.
You can score ten points on the adaptability factor if your family members or close relatives are living in Canada and will be able to support you when you move in there. You can also gain points if your spouse or legal partner is ready to migrate with you to Canada.
A valid job offer from a Canadian employer entitles you for ten points.
The eligibility requirement for the Express Entry is 67 points out of 100. You will need to score at least 67 points under various eligibility criteria to apply for your PR visa. The Express Entry eligibility points calculator is based on the following criteria:
Total no. of candidates: 38,321
Province | Type of Draw | No. of candidates |
---|
If you have done your education outside Canada, you should get your Educational Credentials Assessment or ECA. The ECA proves that your educational qualifications are equal to those recognized in the Canadian educational system.
The next step is completing the required English language proficiency tests. The minimum score is 6 bands in IELTS, equivalent to CLB 7. Your test score should be less than 2 years old at the time of application. You will have an edge over other applicants if you know French. French language tests like the Test de Evaluation de Francians (TEF) will prove your proficiency in the language.
If your profile makes it to the Express Entry pool, it is ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Criteria such as age, work experience, adaptability, etc., determine your CRS score. Your profile gets included in the Express Entry pool if you have the required CRS score.
Check the provincial government's website for the submission process. Some PNPs have an online portal for EOIs, while others may require sending it via email or regular mail. Keep your EOI updated with changes in your profile, such as gaining additional work experience or achieving a higher language proficiency score.
If your profile gets selected from the Express Entry pool, you will get an ITA from the Canadian government, after which you can start the documentation for your PR visa.
The Canada Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offers Australian nationals a unique and rewarding opportunity to immigrate to Canada based on their skills, work experience, and family ties to specific Canadian provinces. Whether you are looking to invest, establish a business, or seek employment, Canada’s PNP opens doors to provinces in need of skilled workers. The program also provides an expedited path to Canadian permanent residency, making it an attractive choice for those seeking to live and work in one of the world’s most prosperous countries.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is designed to allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residency who have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the local economy. The program is ideal for Australian nationals with a job offer from a Canadian employer, or those who possess specific skills or entrepreneurial expertise that align with the labor market needs of a particular province.
In Canada, immigration is largely managed at the federal level, but the PNP allows individual provinces to have a say in selecting applicants who can best fill their local workforce shortages. Each province administers its own PNP program, meaning applicants can apply through a specific provincial stream that aligns with their qualifications and experience.
Canada's Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on their ability to contribute to the local economy. Each province and territory has its own specific immigration streams, targeting skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and students. Here is a list of all the Canadian provinces and territories conducting PNP programs:
These provinces and territories assess applicants based on specific local labor market needs, and each one has tailored streams for various categories, such as skilled workers, international graduates, and business owners.
*Want to check your eligibility to Canada immigration? Use the Y-Axis Canada CRS tool to get an instant score.|
Eligibility requirements for the Canada Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) can vary based on the stream you are applying through. However, some general eligibility factors include:
While each province has its own set of requirements, most PNPs ask for the following documents and criteria for your application to be considered:
The application process for the PNP typically follows these steps:
Step 1: Check Eligibility: Check your eligibility through Canada Immigration Points Calculator. Review the eligibility requirements for the PNP stream you are interested in. Make sure you meet the minimum criteria before applying.
Step 2: Choose Your Stream: Depending on your occupation, skills, and province preference, select the most suitable PNP stream. Some provinces have more flexible or faster processing streams for skilled workers, while others focus on entrepreneurs.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents: Gather all required documents, including proof of work experience, educational qualifications, financial resources, language test results, and medical or police clearance documents.
Step 4: Submit Your Application: Apply through the chosen provincial PNP. You will submit your application either online or through a paper-based system, depending on the province.
Step 5: Obtain Provincial Nomination: If successful, you will receive a nomination from the province, which you can use to apply for permanent residency with the federal government.
Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residency: Once you have been nominated, you can submit your permanent residency application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Processing time for PR applications may vary.
Step 7: Wait for PR Approval: The final stage is the review of your PR application by Canadian authorities. If all requirements are met, you will be granted Canadian permanent residency.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offers two main pathways for applicants to obtain Canadian permanent residency:|
This pathway allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals based on their unique needs for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and family members.
Applicants must apply to the province or territory for nomination, and once nominated, they apply for permanent residence through IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
Processing times for this stream are typically longer, as applicants go through a two-step process—first being nominated by a province, and then applying for permanent residency.
The Express Entry pathway is faster and designed for those already in the Express Entry pool. Applicants who receive a provincial nomination are awarded an additional 600 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which significantly increases their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
This process is highly efficient and processed in a matter of months, allowing for quicker immigration to Canada.
There are 2 ways to apply:
Here are the key steps to apply for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for a PR visa in Canada:
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Step 2: Choose a Province and Stream
Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Step 4: Apply for Nomination
Step 5: Apply for Provincial Nomination
Step 6: Submit PR Application
Step 7: Wait for a Decision
Step 8: Receive PR Approval
Step 9: Pathway to Citizenship
*Want to apply for Express Entry? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.
The fees for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) vary depending on the province or territory you're applying to, as well as the specific PNP stream. Below is an overview of the typical fees for most PNP streams:
General PNP Fees |
|
Fee Type |
Fee Amount |
Provincial Nomination Fee |
Varies by province, typically $250 - $1,500 CAD |
Permanent Residency Fee |
$1,325 CAD (Principal Applicant) + $525 CAD (Each dependent) |
Biometrics Fee |
$85 CAD per person (if required) |
The processing time for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) can vary depending on several factors, including the province or territory, the stream you're applying under, and whether you apply through the Express Entry system or a paper-based process. Here’s a general overview of the processing times:
Express Entry-aligned PNP streams:
If you apply through an Express Entry-aligned PNP stream, the processing time can be as fast as 6 months from the time you receive your provincial nomination. After receiving the nomination, you can submit your permanent residency application through Express Entry, and IRCC will process it within the usual timeframe (typically 6 months for most applications).
Paper-based PNP streams:
If you apply through a paper-based PNP stream, the processing time can take 12–18 months. These streams involve applying for the provincial nomination first, and then, once nominated, applying for permanent residency through the regular process, which takes longer due to the need for further documentation and review.
Features of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Provincial Authority:
Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR):
Fast Processing Times:
Economic Benefits:
No Need for a Job Offer:
Tailored to Local Labor Needs:
Increased Immigration Opportunities:
Latest Canada PNP Draws |
|||
Month |
Provinces |
No. of draws |
Total no. of Invitations |
June |
Alberta |
1 |
36 |
Ontario |
10 |
3719 |
|
May |
Newfoundland and Labrador |
2 |
733 |
Alberta |
6 |
414 |
|
British Columbia |
2 |
108 |
|
PEI |
1 |
168 |
|
Manitoba |
3 |
118 |
|
April |
Newfoundland and Labrador |
1 |
256 |
Alberta |
7 |
246 |
|
New Brunswick |
2 |
477 |
|
British Columbia |
1 |
5 |
|
PEI |
1 |
168 |
|
Manitoba |
2 |
31 |
|
March |
Alberta |
2 |
17 |
PEI |
1 |
124 |
|
British Columbia |
1 |
13 |
|
New Brunswick |
1 |
498 |
|
Manitoba |
2 |
219 |
|
February |
Alberta |
10 |
551 |
PEI |
1 |
87 |
|
Manitoba |
2 |
117 |
|
January |
Ontario |
1 |
4 |
British Columbia |
1 |
10 |
|
PEI |
1 |
22 |
|
Manitoba |
2 |
325 |
43,808 Invitations Issued in 2025 |
|||||||
Express Entry/ Province Draw |
Jan |
Feb |
March |
April |
May |
June |
Total |
Express Entry |
5821 |
11,601 |
13,261 |
1246 |
2511 |
3,902 |
38,342 |
Manitoba |
325 |
117 |
219 |
31 |
118 |
NA |
810 |
British Columbia |
10 |
NA |
13 |
5 |
108 |
NA |
136 |
Ontario |
4 |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
3719 |
3723 |
Alberta |
NA |
551 |
17 |
246 |
414 |
36 |
1264 |
Prince Edward Island |
22 |
87 |
124 |
168 |
168 |
NA |
569 |
Newfoundland and Labrador |
NA |
NA |
NA |
256 |
733 |
NA |
989 |
New Brunswick |
NA |
NA |
498 |
477 |
NA |
NA |
975 |
Total |
6,182 |
12,356 |
14,132 |
2429 |
4052 |
7,657 |
46,808 |
Y-Axis is one of Australia’s premier immigration consultancy services, specializing in guiding clients through the complexities of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for Canada. Here’s how we can assist you:
With Y-Axis, you gain access to personalized immigration services that make your Canadian immigration journey smoother and more successful.