Every province and territory in Canada participates in its own Provincial Nominee Program. Each program under this system is designed to help meet the province or territory’s unique immigrant requirements. However, due to federal allocation cuts in 2025, many provinces have temporarily paused applications or closed specific streams.
The Government of Canada now sends out significantly fewer invitations from the pool of PNP applicants each year. These provincial programs remain popular because they offer 600 additional points to boost your Express Entry profile, though competition has intensified due to reduced quotas.
Choose a province or territory below to explore their Provincial Nominee Program.
Review language requirements, work experience criteria, educational credentials, and financial capacity. Some programs prioritize specific occupations or require job offers from local employers. Ensure you meet minimum point thresholds before proceeding.
Apply directly to your chosen province or territory. Register an Expression of Interest (EOI) for one or more streams on their official website portals.
If your application is successful, the province or territory will nominate you to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Important: Your provincial nomination certificate adds 600 points to your Express Entry profile, significantly boosting your ranking. The certificate is valid for six months, during which you must submit your federal application. Keep all original documents as you’ll need them for the next stage.
Apply to the Canadian federal government for permanent residence. You can do this online if you have chosen Express Entry-based PNP. If not, then you must submit a paper-based application.
There are 80+ Canadian provincial nominee programs offered by provinces and territories. Here is a province-wise list of PNP Programs.
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program is suited for foreign nationals with the skills to contribute to the province’s workforce. British Columbia offers BC PNP Skills Immigration and BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration for foreign skilled workers and entrepreneurs.
| Stream/Pathway | Status | Who It’s For | Key Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC PNP Skilled Worker | Severely Restricted | Managers, professionals, and skilled trades with high economic impact | NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. Full-time indeterminate job offer from a BC employer. Minimum 2 years work experience. CLB 4 language. Only high-impact candidates (wage $105/hour or 150+ points). |
| BC PNP Health Authority | Active | Healthcare professionals employed by BC Health Authorities in direct patient care | Job offer from BC health authority. Eligible NOC TEER occupation. Direct patient care role. CLB 4 language. |
| BC PNP Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) | Severely Restricted | Workers in tourism, hospitality, food processing, semi-skilled roles | NOC TEER 4 or 5 occupation. Full-time indeterminate job offer. 9+ months consecutive work experience with employer. CLB 4 language. Only high economic impact candidates. |
| BC PNP Tech (Priority Occupations) | Severely Restricted | Tech workers in 35 priority technology occupations | Job offer in one of the 35 tech occupations. Minimum 1-year job duration. At least 120 days remaining on job offer at application. Processed via existing Skills Immigration streams. |
| BC PNP International Graduate | Closed | Recent graduates from Canadian post-secondary institutions | Permanently closed. Will be replaced by new streams (paused). |
| BC PNP International Post-Graduate | Closed/Waitlisted | Graduates from BC institutions with graduate degrees | Closed to new applications after January 7, 2025. Applications submitted until January 7, 2025 are waitlisted. |
| BC PNP Entrepreneur Base Category | Active | Experienced entrepreneurs investing in BC | Minimum investment CAD 200,000. Business management experience. Must create jobs for Canadians or permanent residents. |
| BC PNP Regional Pilot Program | Active | Entrepreneurs investing in smaller BC communities | Minimum investment CAD 100,000. Must start a business in an eligible regional community. Must create jobs. |
| BC PNP Strategic Projects | Active | High-impact business investors in strategic sectors | Minimum equity investment CAD 500,000. Must achieve a strategic economic impact. |
Latest 2025 Update: The BC PNP has been greatly affected by a 50% cut in federal allocations. This brings the total to only 4,000 nominations for 2025. Only 1,100 new applications will be accepted, focusing exclusively on healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, and high economic impact skilled workers. Three new international student streams have been paused until nomination allocation levels are restored.
The province of Alberta offers the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program. The streams are designed for foreign workers in Alberta or those who wish to work in the province.
| Stream/Pathway | Status | Who It’s For | Key Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta Express Entry | Active | Express Entry candidates with connections to Alberta or in-demand skills | Valid Express Entry profile. Work experience in an eligible occupation. Potential connection to Alberta (work, study, family, or job offer). CRS scores as low as 69 in recent draws. |
| Accelerated Tech Pathway | Active | Tech professionals in Alberta or with Alberta job offers | Express Entry profile. Eligible tech occupation. Valid Alberta job offer or current Alberta employment. CRS scores as low as 69 in July 2025. |
| Alberta Opportunity Stream | Active | Foreign workers already employed in Alberta | Valid work permit. Full-time job offer from Alberta employer in eligible occupation. Minimum language (CLB 4-5) and education requirements. Minimum Alberta work experience. |
| Alberta Rural Renewal Stream | Active | Foreign workers with job offers from designated Alberta rural communities | Full-time, permanent job offer from eligible rural employer. Community endorsement. Meet work experience, education, and language requirements. |
| Dedicated Health Care Pathway | Active | Healthcare professionals with job offers in Alberta | Express Entry or non-Express Entry. Job offer in eligible NOC healthcare occupation. Meet education and certification requirements. CLB 7 for some roles. |
| Tourism and Hospitality Stream | Active | Hospitality workers with Alberta job offers | Full-time job offer in eligible tourism/hospitality occupation. Meet work experience and education requirements. Language CLB 4 or higher. |
| In-Demand Occupations | Reference List | Candidates working in designated Alberta occupations | Occupations include management, health, social sciences, arts, recreation, sales, trades. Detailed on Alberta In-Demand Occupations list. |
| AAIP Rural Entrepreneur Stream | Active | Entrepreneurs starting businesses in rural Alberta | Minimum net worth and investment. Rural community endorsement. Business management experience. Business plan and job creation requirements. |
| AAIP Graduate Entrepreneur Stream | Active | Recent graduates of Alberta post-secondary institutions starting businesses | Graduated from Alberta institution. Own and actively operate business in Alberta. No minimum investment but must meet ownership and operation criteria. |
| AAIP Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream | Active | Foreign-educated entrepreneurs launching businesses in Alberta | Graduated from a post-secondary institution outside Canada. Minimum investment. Business plan. Letters of support. Own and operate Alberta business. |
| AAIP Farm Stream | Active | Experienced farm owners/operators starting agriculture businesses in Alberta | Farm management experience. Invest in Alberta farming business. Detailed business plan and investment requirements. |
Latest 2025 Update: Alberta is actively inviting candidates, with 2,073 invited so far in 2025. The Accelerated Tech Pathway sent invitations to those with CRS scores as low as 69 in July 2025. The Priority Sectors had scores as low as 49. Alberta keeps up steady activity in many areas, including healthcare, construction, and technology.
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) serves as Ontario’s PNP to assist foreign nationals in obtaining permanent residency.
| Stream/Pathway | Status (Sept 2025) | Who It’s For | Key Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream | Active | Skilled foreign workers with a job offer in Ontario (TEER 0, 1, 2, 3) | Full-time, permanent job offer in an eligible occupation. Two years’ experience in same occupation. Median wage requirement. Employer Portal registration. Not self-employed. |
| Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream | Active | Recent graduates of eligible Canadian institutions with a job offer in Ontario (TEER 0, 1, 2, 3) | Full-time, permanent job offer. Eligible post-secondary credential earned within last 2 years. No work experience required. Employer Portal registration. |
| Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream | Active | Workers in specific in-demand occupations with a job offer in Ontario | Full-time, permanent job offer in eligible TEER 4/5 occupations. 9 months Ontario work experience. CLB 4 language. Employer Portal registration. |
| Masters Graduate Stream | Active | International graduates from an eligible Ontario university with a master’s degree | Completed master’s degree within past 2 years. CLB 7 language. 1 year legal residence in Ontario in last 2 years. No job offer required. EOI system. |
| PhD Graduate Stream | Active | Graduates of eligible Ontario universities with a PhD | Completed PhD within past 2 years. At least 2 years of study and 1 year legal residence in Ontario. No job offer required. EOI system. |
| Express Entry: Human Capital Priorities Stream | Active | Express Entry candidates with skilled work experience, education, and language | Valid Express Entry profile. NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3. 1 year continuous work experience. CLB 7 English or French. ECA for foreign education. No job offer required. |
| Express Entry: Skilled Trades Stream | Active | Express Entry candidates with at least one year Ontario work experience in a skilled trade | Valid Express Entry profile. 1 year cumulative paid Ontario work experience in eligible trades. CLB 5 language. Certificate/license if required. |
| Express Entry: French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream | Active | Express Entry candidates who are French-speaking with strong English ability | Valid Express Entry profile. French CLB 7, English CLB 6. 1 year continuous work experience. ECA for foreign education. No job offer required. |
Latest 2025 Update: Effective July 1, 2025, OINP implemented changes including new authority to return applications before nomination, mandatory in-person interview requirements, and the launch of an employer-led Employer Portal.
Early childhood educators in Human Capital Priorities and French-Speaking Skilled Worker streams no longer need minimum education requirements if they’re members of the College of Early Childhood Educators. For more updates check OINP’s office news page.
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) comprises streams across Skilled Workers, International Education, and Business Investor categories.
| Stream/Pathway | Status | Who It’s For | Key Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker in Manitoba (SWM) | Active | Temporary foreign workers & Manitoba graduates working in MB | Full-time, long-term job offer after 6+ months employment. Valid work permit. Job-ready English/French. |
| Skilled Worker Overseas (SWO) | Active | Those outside MB with connections (family, education, work, or invitation) | Connection to MB (support, experience, or invitation). Minimum 60 points (age, language, experience, education, adaptability). |
| International Education Stream (IES): Career Employment Pathway | Active | Recent MB graduates in in-demand occupations | Graduated in past 3 years from MB post-secondary. Full-time job offer in occupation on MB In-Demand List. CLB/NCLC 7 language. |
| International Education Stream (IES): Graduate Internship Pathway | Active | MB Master’s/PhD grads with Mitacs internship | Master’s or PhD degree in past 3 years (from MB). Completed Mitacs Elevate/Accelerate internship. No job offer required; CLB/NCLC 7. |
| International Education Stream: International Student Entrepreneur Pilot (ISEP) | Active | MB graduates pursuing entrepreneurship | Info session required before applying. Condition-based Business Performance Agreement. Maximum 20 candidates/year. |
| Business Investor Stream: Entrepreneur Pathway | Active | Experienced entrepreneurs seeking to start a business in MB | Experience, investment, business plan required. |
| Business Investor Stream: Farm Investor Pathway | Active | Experienced farm operators/investors | Farm experience and qualifying investment required. |
| Express Entry Pathway | Closed | Express Entry candidates | Closed as of current government Manitoba pages (not accepting Expressions of Interest). |
| Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway | Closed | Foreign workers recruited directly by Manitoba employers | Closed (no current intakes, pending government updates). |
| Work Experience Pathway | Closed | Foreign workers currently employed in Manitoba | Closed (all applications directed to Skilled Worker in Manitoba). |
Some in-demand occupations include business, finance, administration, health, art, recreation, sales, and transport.
Latest 2025 Update: Manitoba has modified its Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream to require only 6 months of Manitoba work experience (down from 12 months). The program issued 325 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) in January 2025, with continuing regular draws throughout the year, though the International Education Stream saw reduced activity.
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) includes the following categories:
| Stream/Pathway | Status (Sept 2025) | Who It’s For | Key Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| SINP Tech Talent Pathway | Active | Foreign workers with job offers in 11 eligible tech occupations | Valid full-time job offer in designated tech occupation. One year skilled work experience in related occupation. Eligible license (if required). |
| SINP Employment Offer | Active | Skilled workers with a job offer in Saskatchewan | Permanent, full-time job offer in eligible occupation (TEER 0, 1, 2, 3). One year work experience in occupation. Language requirement. |
| SINP Occupations In Demand | Active | Skilled foreign workers with experience in Saskatchewan’s in-demand occupations | One year work experience in last ten years in eligible occupation. Valid language results. ECA (if required). No job offer needed. |
| SINP Express Entry | Active | Express Entry candidates with skilled work experience in an occupation in demand | Valid Express Entry profile. One year work experience in eligible occupation. Language results. ECA (if required). No job offer required. |
| Skilled Worker With Existing Work Permit | Active | Foreign nationals with valid work permit working for Saskatchewan employer | Full-time, permanent job offer from same employer. Minimum six months’ Saskatchewan work experience. Language as required. |
| Health Professionals | Active | Health professionals working in Saskatchewan | Offer of employment in designated healthcare position. Licensed in Saskatchewan (if required by profession). At least six months Saskatchewan work experience. |
| Hospitality Sector Project | Active | Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, housekeeping, and hospitality workers with Saskatchewan employer | Six months work experience with eligible employer. Full-time, permanent job offer in TEER 5 occupation (NAICS 72). CLB 4 language. |
| Long Haul Truck Driver Project | Active | Long-haul truck drivers working with Saskatchewan employer | Six months work experience with approved trucking company. Job offer. Valid Saskatchewan Class 1A driver’s license. |
| Students | Active | International graduates with Saskatchewan work experience | Graduated from Saskatchewan institution. At least six months’ work experience with Saskatchewan employer. Full-time, permanent job offer. |
| SINP Saskatchewan Experience | Active | Workers with experience across various streams above | Eligibility depends on subcategory (see above individual category criteria). |
| Hard-To-Fill Skills Pilot | Active | Entry-level workers in high-demand occupations | Six months Saskatchewan work experience. Full-time job offer. CLB 4 language. |
| Farm Owner/Operator Stream | Closed | Individuals seeking to establish and operate a farm in Saskatchewan | Program closed by government in 2025. No current intake. |
Latest 2025 Update: New Brunswick continues regular draws with steady activity across all streams. The province maintains focus on French-speaking candidates through the Strategic Initiative Stream, with particular emphasis on healthcare and engineering professionals to address provincial labor shortages.
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) targets foreign-skilled workers and entrepreneurs with the skills and experience to boost the province’s economy and tackle demographic challenges.
Physicians, nurse aides, truck drivers, financial auditors, accountants, administrative assistants, and civil engineers are this province’s in-demand workers.
Latest 2025 Update: Nova Scotia experienced a 50% reduction in allocation to 3,150 spots total. As of August 2025, over 9,774 Expressions of Interest remain in processing with only 1,312 spots remaining. The province is prioritizing workers already in Nova Scotia, particularly those with expiring work permits. Applications in Accommodation and Food Services sectors remain paused due to backlog.
Prince Edward Island is one of Canada’s thirteen provinces and the smallest in land area and population. Prince Edward Island’s Provincial Nominee Program consists of the following streams:
Aerospace engineers, specialist physicians, university professors, social workers, mechanics, and sales executives are among the in-demand workers in this province.
Latest 2025 Update: PEI is unique among Canadian provinces for publicly releasing its anticipated Invitation to Apply (ITA) schedule in advance, with 11 planned draws throughout 2025. The most recent draw on September 19, 2025, issued 129 invitations to Labour and Express Entry candidates. PEI has issued over 1,200 invitations so far in 2025, focusing on healthcare, trades, childcare, and manufacturing sectors, with priority given to candidates already working in PEI or graduates from local institutions.
Canada’s Northwest Territories include the regions of Dehcho, North Slave, Sahtu, South Slave and Inuvik. Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) offers the following streams:
Accountants, IT professionals, registered nurses, dentists, cooks, electricians, truck drivers, and farm workers are among the in-demand occupations in this province.
Latest 2025 Update: The Northwest Territories faced a 50% allocation cut to just 150 nominations for 2025 but received an additional 47 nominations in September 2025, bringing the total to 197. The second intake period ran from July 2-9, 2025, accepting 21 applications across all categories. Work permit eligibility has been extended to March 31, 2026, and applications are prioritized by work permit expiration dates.
One of the most beautiful provinces in Canada, Yukon is gorgeous and has abundant natural resources. The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) offers these Provincial Nominee Program streams:
Accountants, bookkeepers, dentists, electricians, truck drivers, cashiers, and farm workers are this province’s in-demand occupations.
Latest 2025 Update: Yukon initially faced a 50% cut to just 215 nominations but received an additional 67 allocations in August 2025, bringing the total to 282. The territory moved to an Expression of Interest (EOI) system in March 2025, receiving over 500 submissions. Priority is given to candidates with at least one year of Yukon work experience, Yukon University graduates, French-speaking applicants, and those with Temporary Measure Letters of Support. Healthcare positions have 10 dedicated allocations reserved until September 30, 2025.
Newfoundland and Labrador consist of Provincial Nominee Program Streams under NL PNP:
Managerial Occupations, Health Occupations, Sales and Service Occupations, Trades, Transport and Equipment Operators, and Related Occupations are among Newfoundland and Labrador’s in-demand workers.
Latest 2025 Update: Newfoundland and Labrador continues operating all streams with regular processing. The province maintains focus on skilled workers with job offers and international graduates, particularly in healthcare, trades, and technology sectors. Priority is given to candidates who can immediately fill labor market gaps in the province’s key economic sectors including offshore oil, mining, fisheries, and tourism.
Important Update: As of March 25, 2025, arranged employment (job offer) points were removed from the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System. This significantly changes the advantage of having a job offer in Express Entry applications.
Applicants can apply for Canadian Provincial Nominee Program via the Express Entry System using one of two possible methods:
The applicant must contact the province or territory and express their interest in receiving an Express Entry Stream nomination. Once the province has agreed to nominate the applicant, they must create their Express Entry profile and show proof of their nomination.
The applicant must first set up an Express Entry Profile and inform the provinces and territories of their interest. Once a province or territory responds, they will provide a “notification of interest” sent to the Express Entry Profile created earlier. The applicant will then contact the province directly and apply via their Express Entry Stream. Successful applicants should receive a nomination through their accounts. They can then accept it online.
Submit your profile to the federal Express Entry system by providing information about your work experience, education, language ability, and other personal details. Your profile will be ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
Research and identify which provinces offer Express Entry-aligned streams that match your qualifications. Submit applications directly to your chosen province(s) through their official immigration portals. Each province has different eligibility criteria, processing times, and application procedures.
If your provincial application is successful, the province will issue you a provincial nomination certificate. This process typically takes 2-8 months depending on the specific provincial program. Keep your Express Entry profile active during this time as it may expire after 12 months.
Once you receive your provincial nomination, log into your Express Entry profile and update it with your nomination details. The system will automatically add 600 points to your CRS score, virtually guaranteeing you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the next federal draw.
With the additional 600 points, your profile will rank very high in the Express Entry pool. Federal draws typically occur every 2-4 weeks, and nominated candidates usually receive ITAs within 30 days of updating their profiles with provincial nominations.
After receiving your ITA, you have 60 days to submit your complete application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Prepare all required documents including medical exams, police clearances, and supporting documentation. Processing typically takes 6-8 months from the time IRCC receives your complete application.
Important Note: Your provincial nomination certificate is valid for only 6 months, so ensure you submit your federal application within this timeframe. If your Express Entry profile expires before receiving a provincial nomination, you’ll need to create a new profile and inform the province of your new Express Entry number.
Choosing between a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the federal Express Entry system depends on your profile, goals, and preferences. Below is a comparison of key factors to help you decide which pathway suits you best.
| Factor | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | Express Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Available Programs | Over 80 regional streams across all provinces and territories, including job-offer, skills-in-demand, and entrepreneur streams. | Three federal programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class. |
| Point System | Varies by province; most award 600 CRS points upon nomination. Initial eligibility based on provincial criteria (e.g., occupation, work experience, language). | Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores up to 1,200 based on factors like age, education, work experience, language skills, and provincial nomination. |
| Ways to Apply | Direct application to province after checking stream eligibility; some provinces use Expression of Interest (EOI) pools. | Create an Express Entry profile online; enter the pool and wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) based on CRS rank. |
| Processing Time | Provincial nomination: 3–8 months; federal PR application: 6–8 months (Express Entry–aligned) or 15–20 months (paper-based). | Average 6 months from ITA to PR decision once complete application is submitted. |
| Fees | Provincial fees vary (typically CAD 300–1,500). Federal fees apply after nomination (CAD 1,365 per adult). | Federal application fees only: CAD 1,365 per adult (including biometrics). |
| Eligibility Flexibility | More targeted: many streams require job offers, regional ties, or specific occupations; suited for in-demand skills in a province. | Broader federal criteria; no provincial ties required but higher CRS scores may be necessary without nomination. |
| Additional Benefits | Provincial supports such as settlement funding, employer connections, and faster labour market entry. | Centralized process; no need to research multiple provincial streams; transparent CRS scoring. |
For more detail, see our full guide: PNP vs Express Entry.
Prospective immigrants who wish to immigrate to Canada through any of the Canadian Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams mentioned above should Book a Consultation here. Our exceptional team is led by Mr. Keshav Sharma, an RCIC who understands the Canadian PNP pathways. They can assess your PNP eligibility and optimize your application. Make your journey to Canada easier under the guidance of the experts at Elaar Immigration by contacting us today.
The federal government cut Provincial Nominee Program allocations by 50% in 2025, reducing total nominations from 110,000 to 55,000. This forced provinces to pause applications or close streams to manage backlogs.
Manitoba, Alberta, and New Brunswick continue regular draws. Some streams in BC, Ontario (employer job offers only), and Saskatchewan remain open but with limited capacity.
Most investment amounts remain the same, but New Brunswick’s minimum is CAD $250,000 (not $300,000). Always verify current amounts on official provincial websites.
Yes, provincial nominations still provide 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System points, but arranged employment points were removed in March 2025.
Yes, you can apply to multiple provinces simultaneously, provided you meet each program’s eligibility requirements and the streams are currently open.
Processing times have significantly increased due to reduced allocations. Provincial processing can take 6-18+ months, with federal processing taking an additional 12-18 months.
Healthcare, construction, education, and essential services are prioritized across most provinces. Technology and skilled trades also remain in demand.
Yes, French proficiency is increasingly valued. New Brunswick’s Strategic Initiative Stream prioritizes French speakers, and it can provide competitive advantages in other provinces.
Applications submitted before closure dates are typically processed, but new applications cannot be submitted until the stream reopens.
Consider active streams in other provinces or federal programs like Express Entry. Consult with a regulated immigration consultant to explore all available options based on your specific situation.
Disclaimer: Immigration policies change frequently. Always consult official government sources and consider professional immigration advice for your specific situation. This information is current as of September 2025.
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