Provincial Nominee Programs Explained: How to Immigrate to Canada Through PNP in 2025

What is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a smart immigration plan that lets Canadian provinces and territories choose people for permanent residence based on local job and population needs. Created with support from the federal government, the PNP helps bring skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs to regions outside Canada’s biggest cities.

Unlike the federal Express Entry system, which uses a points system to rank candidates, the PNP lets provinces and territories choose people who are more likely to succeed in their region. Some PNP streams work on their own; these are called base streams. Others are connected to Express Entry; these are called enhanced streams. Through enhanced streams, provinces can pick candidates who are already in the federal Express Entry pool.

Every province and territory, except Quebec and Nunavut, runs its nominee program with different rules, job priorities, and application steps. These programs are designed to meet local job shortages, population needs, and economic plans. For example, a province that lacks healthcare workers or tradespeople may focus on applicants with experience in those fields.

How the PNP Works in 2025

In 2025, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) still runs through two main pathways: Base PNP Streams and Enhanced PNP Streams. Both let provinces and territories choose candidates who meet their local job and economic needs. However, they follow different application steps and connect to the federal Express Entry system in different ways.

Base PNP Streams

Base streams require candidates to apply directly to a province or territory, separate from the Express Entry system. If they meet the province’s eligibility requirements, they can apply for a nomination. Once nominated, they must then send a separate application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Steps in a base PNP stream include:

Enhanced PNP Streams

Enhanced streams work within the federal Express Entry system. Provinces can look through the Express Entry pool and invite candidates who match their local needs. When setting up their Express Entry profile, candidates can also show interest in certain provinces.

Steps in an enhanced PNP stream include:

Creating an Express Entry profile and entering the pool
Indicating interest in a province or being selected through a provincial draw
Receiving a Notification of Interest (NOI) from a province
Submitting a provincial nomination application
Accepting the nomination and receiving 600 additional CRS points
Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC
Submitting a complete application for permanent residence

Selection Criteria Considered by Provinces

Each province and territory has autonomy in designing its nominee streams and selecting candidates based on regional needs. However, common criteria include:

Occupation in demand: Preference for candidates in sectors facing labour shortages, such as healthcare, construction, or technology
Work experience: Relevant and recent experience in a skilled occupation
Language proficiency: Demonstrated ability in English or French, typically through standardized tests (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF)
Education: Post-secondary credentials aligned with Canadian standards
Connection to the province: Job offers, prior study or work experience in the region, or family ties
Adaptability: Ability to settle and integrate into the local community

Provinces often update their eligibility rules to match the current job market and population needs. Candidates should check official guidelines regularly and stay up to date on any changes in selection priorities or program limits.

List of Provinces and Their Nominee Programs (2025)

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) runs with the support of almost all provinces and territories. Each one manages its own immigration streams based on local needs. Here’s a 2025 overview of the main PNPs and their key features:

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

Alberta’s AAIP focuses on attracting workers who can support the province’s diverse economy. It offers both base and enhanced streams, including:

Alberta Express Entry Stream (enhanced)
Alberta Opportunity Stream (for workers with job offers in Alberta)
Rural Renewal and Entrepreneur Streams (to encourage settlement in smaller communities)

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)

British Columbia targets high-demand occupations and international graduates. It uses a points-based system called the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). Key streams include:

Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC (enhanced)
Tech stream (for candidates in eligible tech occupations)
Entrepreneur Immigration (for investors and business owners)

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

Manitoba prioritizes candidates with ties to the province and strong settlement potential. Its main streams include:

Skilled Worker in Manitoba
Skilled Worker Overseas
International Education Stream
Business Investor Stream

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

Ontario operates one of the largest PNPs and targets a broad range of skilled professionals. Its streams fall under three categories:

Employer Job Offer Streams (foreign workers, international students, in-demand occupations)
Human Capital Streams (Express Entry-linked: French-Speaking Skilled Worker, Human Capital Priorities, and Skilled Trades)
Entrepreneur Stream (for business-minded immigrants)

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

Saskatchewan selects candidates who can support its labour market and contribute to regional growth. Core streams include:

International Skilled Worker (Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand sub-categories)
Saskatchewan Experience (for workers already in the province)
Entrepreneur and Farm Owner Streams

Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

Nova Scotia offers flexible pathways, including targeted draws for specific occupations. Popular streams include:

Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry
Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
Labour Market Priorities Stream (frequently invites nurses, early childhood educators, and tech workers)
Physician and Entrepreneur Streams

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)

PEI’s program emphasizes labour force attachment and employer support. It includes:

Express Entry Stream
Labour Impact Category (for individuals with a job offer)
Business Impact Category (for entrepreneurs investing in local businesses)

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)

New Brunswick supports immigration to meet both urban and rural labour shortages. It includes:

Express Entry Stream
Skilled Workers with Employer Support
Strategic Initiatives Stream (for Francophone and targeted occupations)
Business Immigration Stream

Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)

Newfoundland and Labrador focus on high-skilled workers and international graduates. Key streams include:

Express Entry Skilled Worker
Skilled Worker Stream
International Graduate Stream
International Entrepreneur and Graduate Entrepreneur Streams

Territorial Nominee Programs (Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut)

These territories offer smaller but focused immigration pathways:

Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP): For skilled workers and entrepreneurs with ties to the region.
Yukon Nominee Program (YNP): Includes streams for critical impact workers, skilled workers, and business nominees.
Nunavut: Does not currently operate a PNP but supports immigration through federal programs and regional partnerships.

Step-by-Step Process to Immigrate Through PNP

Moving to Canada through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) follows a clear step-by-step process that includes both provincial and federal approvals. Here’s a simple breakdown of the steps applicants need to take in 2025:

Determine Your Eligibility

Start by checking if you meet the common requirements for PNPs. These usually include your education, work experience, language skills, and a real plan to live in the province that nominates you. Visit official provincial websites and use online tools to see if you qualify for one or more streams.

Choose a Province Aligned with Your Profile

Each province and territory focuses on its job market and economic needs. Choose a region that fits your job, experience, or personal ties, like past work, study, or family ties there. Look into the nominee streams they offer and keep track of updates or special draws that match your profession.

Apply to the Province for a Nomination (Base or Enhanced Stream)

Depending on the stream, you may either:

Apply directly to the province (base stream), or
Enter the federal Express Entry pool and receive a Notification of Interest (enhanced stream).

Submit a complete application to the chosen province, including all required documents such as proof of work experience, educational credentials, language test results, and identification. Ensure your submission meets all program-specific guidelines and deadlines.

Receive a Provincial Nomination

If your application is approved, the province will issue a nomination certificate.

For base streams, you will use this certificate to apply directly to IRCC for permanent residence.
For enhanced streams, you must accept the nomination through your Express Entry profile. Doing so adds 600 points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the next federal draw.

Apply to IRCC for Permanent Residence

Base stream nominees submit a paper-based or online application to IRCC along with the provincial nomination and supporting documents.
Enhanced stream nominees respond to the Express Entry ITA by submitting a digital application for permanent residence through their online portal.

In both cases, ensure accuracy, completeness, and timely submission to avoid delays or refusals.

Pass Medical and Security Checks

All applicants must complete medical exams with approved panel doctors and pass security and background checks. These steps help protect public safety and health. IRCC will let you know if they need more information or documents during the process.

Receive Your Permanent Residency

After all checks are done and your application is approved, you will get a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if you’re outside Canada, a permanent resident visa. You can then move to Canada and start your new life in the province that nominated you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a job offer to apply for a PNP?

Not always. Some streams require a valid job offer from an employer in the province, while others prioritize applicants with in-demand occupations, previous study or work experience in the province, or strong language skills, even without a job offer.

Can I apply to multiple PNPs at the same time?

Yes, you can express interest in or apply to more than one Provincial Nominee Program, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. However, if nominated, you must commit to living and working in the nominating province.

Can I move to another province after getting permanent residency through PNP?

While Canadian permanent residents can legally move within the country, they are expected to settle in the province that nominated them.

Is it possible to apply for PNP from outside Canada?

Yes. Many PNP streams are open to applicants outside Canada, particularly those in occupations in demand.

Conclusion

Unlike federal immigration programs that use a national points system, the PNP offers more flexibility and focuses on regional needs. If you have a connection to a province, work experience in a high-demand job, or want to help grow a local community, there’s likely a PNP stream that fits your profile.

Start today by finding the provinces that match your goals, experience, and skills. Applying to the right PNP stream with the right information could be your first step toward a new life in Canada.