Provincial Immigration (PNP)

How the PNP works

Every province and territory (except Quebec and Nunavut) runs its own PNP with multiple streams. Each stream targets a specific candidate profile — in-demand occupations, French speakers, international graduates, workers already in the province, or investors and entrepreneurs. When a province nominates you, IRCC still makes the final PR decision, but the nomination itself is a strong endorsement.

There are two ways to be nominated. In the Express Entry–aligned streams, the province selects candidates from the federal Express Entry pool and issues a nomination worth 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an invitation to apply for PR. In the base (non–Express Entry) streams, applicants apply directly to the province and, if nominated, submit a paper-based PR application to IRCC.

Main PNP categories

• Skilled Worker streams — for candidates with work experience in an in-demand occupation.
• International Graduate streams — for graduates of Canadian post-secondary programs.
• In-Demand Occupation streams — targeting healthcare, trades, tech, transport, agri-food and more.
• Employer-Driven streams — requiring a valid job offer from a provincial employer.
• Entrepreneur and Business streams — for owners and managers who will start or buy a business in the province.
• Semi-Skilled and Regional streams — for workers in tourism, hospitality, long-haul trucking and rural regions.

Provinces and territories at a glance

Ontario (OINP)

Ontario runs Human Capital, Employer Job Offer and Business streams. The Human Capital Priorities and French-speaking streams draw directly from the Express Entry pool, while the Employer Job Offer and Masters/PhD Graduate streams help candidates already living or working in Ontario.

British Columbia (BC PNP)

BC's Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC categories cover Skilled Worker, Healthcare, International Graduate, Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled applicants. A separate Entrepreneur Immigration stream is available for investors who will start or buy a business in BC.

Alberta (AAIP)

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program includes the Alberta Opportunity Stream, Alberta Express Entry Stream, Rural Renewal Stream, Tourism & Hospitality Stream, Accelerated Tech Pathway and dedicated entrepreneur and farm streams.

Saskatchewan (SINP)

SINP offers International Skilled Worker (Express Entry, Occupations In-Demand, Employment Offer), Saskatchewan Experience and Entrepreneur/Farm categories, with regular EOI draws throughout the year.

Manitoba (MPNP)

Manitoba's Skilled Worker in Manitoba, Skilled Worker Overseas, International Education and Business Investor streams focus on candidates with ties to the province and experience in priority occupations.

Atlantic provinces and Northern territories

New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland & Labrador each run PNPs plus the Atlantic Immigration Program for employer-driven hiring. Yukon and Northwest Territories offer smaller employer-driven and business streams.

Typical requirements

• An occupation and work experience matching the target stream (usually NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3).
• Language ability in English and/or French — CLB 5 to CLB 7 depending on the stream.
• Post-secondary education, verified through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) when required.
• Genuine intention and ability to live and work in the nominating province.
• Sufficient settlement funds, and in some streams a valid job offer or in-province work experience.

Step-by-step process

• Assess your profile against the strongest matching stream in each province.
• Prepare language tests (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF), ECA, and supporting documents.
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) or direct application to the province.
• Receive a provincial nomination — either 600 CRS points in Express Entry or a paper-based PR path.
• Submit the permanent residence application to IRCC with medicals, police clearances and biometrics.
• Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and land in Canada.

How TIA supports your PNP application

Our licensed consultants map your profile against every open PNP stream across Canada, prepare a documentation strategy, draft your EOI and settlement plan, and represent you before both the provincial authority and IRCC — from the first assessment to your landing appointment.