Introduction
If you’re looking to immigrate to Canada, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a powerful route because a provincial nomination often adds 600 CRS points and almost guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) under the Express Entry system. This article breaks down what PNP is, how it works, and how to choose the province that fits you best in 2025.
Step 1: What is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
- The PNP allows provinces and territories (except Quebec) to nominate individuals who meet their specific labour-market and settlement needs.
- You can apply through two main streams:
- PNP aligned with Express Entry (faster, nominates you and you update your Express Entry profile)
- PNP outside Express Entry (you apply directly to provincial nomination, then apply for PR through a separate IRCC application)
Step 2: Check eligibility and choose a province
- Each province has its own PNP streams and criteria: skilled workers, international graduates, business/investor streams, and others.
- For example:
- Ontario (Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program)
- Alberta (Alberta Advantage Immigration Program)
- Manitoba (Manitoba PNP)
- Nova Scotia (Nova Scotia Nominee Program)
- and others
- Visit the provincial government’s immigration website to compare criteria and the type of streams available.
Step 3: Apply for nomination
- For PNP aligned with Express Entry:
- Create/update your Express Entry profile and indicate the provinces you are interested in.
- Some provinces will send you a Notification of Interest (NOI) if your profile meets their needs, then you apply for the nomination. Government of Canada
- For PNP non-Express Entry:
- Submit a provincial application directly through the province’s website.
- Upon nomination, you then apply for PR through IRCC.
Step 4: If nominated, apply for PR
- Once you receive a nomination (Express Entry aligned), update your Express Entry profile to reflect the nomination and you will receive +600 CRS points, making you highly competitive for an ITA.
- Submit your PR application online to IRCC (or via paper if applicable) as instructed by your nomination. Include all required documents (medical, police, etc.).
- Pay applicable PR fees and complete biometrics if required.
Step 5: Maintain eligibility and complete landing
- Once nominated and the PR is approved, you must settle in the nominating province—at least initially—to comply with your nomination agreement.
- After landing, you’re free to live/work anywhere in Canada, but you must still honour the provincial settlement commitment in many cases.
Key Considerations: Which Province Is Best for You?
- Job market & demand: Some provinces list specific occupations in demand — choose a province where your NOC code is in demand.
- Stream type: Are you an international graduate? Then look for graduates streams. Skilled worker with job offer? Look for job-offer streams.
- Cost of living & settlement support: Smaller provinces may offer cheaper housing and better support services for newcomers.
- Language & community network: Some provinces have strong immigrant communities from your home country, making settlement easier.
- Express Entry alignment: If you already have an Express Entry profile, choose a province with an Express Entry-aligned stream to benefit from the +600 points.
Still unsure which PNP stream is right for you, or how to navigate the nomination and PR application? Worldbridge Immigration Services can help you select the best province, prepare the nomination application, update your Express Entry profile, and submit your PR package.
Visit www.theworldbridge.ca to book a consultation with our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs).
