Why Apply for the Canada PNP?

Canada's Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offers a streamlined pathway for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and international graduates to obtain permanent residency. Each province creates its own PNP, which meets specific workforce demands to help applicants succeed in their PR applications.

• Receive 600 additional CRS points with a provincial nomination, almost guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
• Choose from over 80 PNP streams tailored to skilled workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs across Canada.
• Benefit from faster PR processing, with some PNPs issuing nominations in as little as 2–3 months.
• Apply without a job offer through several in-demand occupation and Express Entry-linked streams.
• Join over 105,000 immigrants welcomed annually through PNP programs across Canadian provinces.
   

What is the Canada PNP?

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a partnership between the federal government and provinces/territories, allowing provinces to nominate skilled workers, students, or business people who meet their local labour market needs. Nominees receive additional points in Express Entry or are invited to apply directly for permanent residency.

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Benefits of the Canada PNP program

• Boosts Your PR Chances: A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your Express Entry score, giving you a significant advantage in receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
• Faster Immigration Process: Many PNP streams are linked to Express Entry and offer quicker processing times compared to federal programs.
• No Job Offer? No Problem: Several PNP streams allow skilled workers to apply without needing a Canadian job offer, depending on their occupation and profile.
• Diverse Pathways Available: With over 80 PNP streams across provinces, you can find options suited for skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs.
• Regional Settlement Opportunities: PNP helps you settle in regions that truly need your skills, increasing your chances of long-term success and community integration.
   

List of Canada PNP Programs by Province

Each province in Canada has its own immigration program designed to attract people who can help fill local job needs and support community growth.

Given below is the list of top Canada PNP programs:

• Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
• New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
• Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
• Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
• Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
• Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
• Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)

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Best Provinces for Easy Canada PR

Some provinces offer more accessible PNP streams with lower CRS score requirements, faster processing, or no job offer needed. These programs are designed to attract skilled workers who can contribute to regional growth and fill labour shortages. If you're aiming for a smoother path to Canadian PR, these provinces are great starting points.

Top Provinces for Easier PR:

• Saskatchewan
• Alberta
• Nova Scotia
• Ontario
• Manitoba
   

How Does PNP Work with Express Entry?

Provinces can nominate applicants through Express Entry–aligned streams.
Step 1: Create your Express Entry profile.
Step 2: A province issues a nomination, adding 600 CRS points.
Step 3: You receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in a PNP-specific draw.
Step 4: Submit your PR application to IRCC.

Note: This pathway significantly improves your chances of selection. 
 

Eligibility Criteria for Canada PNP

The eligibility criteria for Canada PNP varies based on the province, however, here is a general criteria that needs to be fulfilled by Canada PNP applicants:

• Age: Most streams prefer candidates between 18 and 49 years old, though some accept older applicants based on skill and experience.
• Education: A minimum of a high school diploma is generally required, but post-secondary or professional qualifications may be necessary for skilled roles.
• Work Experience: You must have relevant, verifiable work experience in an occupation that’s in demand in the province you're applying to.
• Language Proficiency: Proof of English or French skills is mandatory, typically with a minimum CLB score of 5, but this can vary by stream.
• Intent to Reside: You must clearly demonstrate your intention to live and work in the province nominating you.
• Financial Stability: You’ll need to show proof of settlement funds to support yourself and your family after arrival, especially if you don’t have a job offer.
   

Documents Required for Canada PNP

The documents required for the Canada PNP are as follows:

• Valid passport
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
• Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF)
• Proof of work experience
• Job offer letter (if applicable)
• Proof of funds
• Police clearance certificate
• Medical examination results
• Provincial nomination certificate
   

How to Apply for the Canada PNP?

You can follow the steps below to apply for the Canada PNP:

Step 1: Choose a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream that matches your skills, experience, and goals.

Step 2: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), if required by the province.

Step 3: Apply to the province or territory directly for a nomination under the selected PNP stream.

Step 4: If approved, receive a provincial nomination certificate.

Step 5: Apply for permanent residency through IRCC using your nomination.

Step 6: Complete biometrics and any required medical examinations.

Step 7: Wait for a decision on your PR application from IRCC.
 

CRS Score Impact of Nomination

A PNP nomination adds 600 points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, practically guaranteeing an ITA regardless of your base score. For example, candidates with base CRS in the 300s become highly eligible with a nomination.

 

Canada PNP vs Express Entry – What’s the Difference?

The table below has a complete overview of the major differences between Canada PNP and Express Entry:

Factor	Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)	Express Entry
Pathway Type	Provincial nomination program	Federal immigration system
Managed By	Individual provinces and territories	IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
CRS Points Boost	Adds 600 CRS points if aligned with Express Entry	No additional boost unless nominated by a province
Job Offer Requirement	Not always required (depends on stream)	Optional, but increases CRS score
Application Process	Two-step: Apply to province and then to IRCC	Single-step: Apply directly through federal system
Eligibility Criteria	Varies by province and stream	Standard federal eligibility requirements
Processing Time	2–8 months for nomination + 6–19 months for PR (average)	6–8 months for complete PR processing
Occupation Targeting	Based on regional labour shortages	Based on national occupation demand
Settlement Obligation	Must intend to live in the nominating province	Can live and work anywhere in Canada
Number of Streams	80+ across all provinces	3 main programs: FSWP, FSTP, and CEC

 

Can you apply for PNP without a Job offer?

Yes, several provinces in Canada offer PNP streams that do not require a job offer. These programs focus on attracting skilled workers who meet local labour needs through education, work experience, and language proficiency.

You can apply to the following provinces even without a job offer:

• Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream
• Saskatchewan Express Entry Sub-Category
• Saskatchewan Occupation in-Demand Sub-Category
• Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities Stream
• Alberta Express Entry Stream
• Manitoba Skilled Worker Overseas Stream
• New Brunswick Express Entry Stream
• Prince Edward Island Express Entry Stream
   

Canada PNP Fees

The table below has a complete overview of the average processing fee for each of the Canada PNP programs:

PNP program	Processing Fees (in CAD)
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)	$500 - $3,500
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)	$1,150 - $3,500
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)	$500 - $2,500
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP)	$250 - $2,000
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NL PNP)	$250 - $1,000
Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)	NA
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)	$1,500 - $3,500
Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)	$300 - $10,000
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)	$350 - $2,500
Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NT PNP)	$550
Yukon Provincial Nominee Program (YPNP)	$1,325

 

Canada PNP Processing Time

The table below has a complete overview of the average processing time for each of the Canada PNP programs:

Province	Average processing Time
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)	3-4 months
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)	3-4 months
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)	4-5 months
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP)	6-8 weeks
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NL PNP)	6-8 months
Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)	8-10 months
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)	3-4 months
Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)	6-8 months
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)	5-6 months
Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NT PNP)	16-18 months
Yukon Provincial Nominee Program (YPNP)	8-10 weeks

 

Latest Canada PNP Draws

Month	Provinces	No. of draws	Total no. of Invitations
July	Manitoba	1	67
	Alberta	8	433
	Newfoundland and Labrador	2	509
	British Columbia	1	17
June	Alberta	8	291
	PEI	1	52
	Manitoba	2	528
	New Brunswick	4	608
	Ontario	6	3791
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

 

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis is the world's No.1 overseas Immigration consultant, providing unbiased and innovative immigration assistance for 25+ years. Our team of experts will assist you with:

• Check free eligibility through the Y-Axis Canada Immigration Points Calculator
• Filling out the application form
• Assistance to migrate to Canada
• Arranging the requirements
• Looking for jobs in Canada? Avail Y-Axis Job Search Services to find the right one!
• Guidance to obtain Canada PR