Provincial Nominee Programs

Drafted from the official pages listed under Sources, last read on 25 October 2026. Rules, fees and thresholds change: check the official page before you act. This is not legal advice and does not guarantee any outcome.

Overview

IRCC says the PNP lets provinces and territories nominate people who have the skills, education or work experience to help their economy, want to live there, and want to become permanent residents.

Each province and territory sets its own requirements and annual nomination limits. IRCC lists 11 participating provinces and territories: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan and Yukon.

Quebec and Nunavut do not have PNP programs. Quebec has its own selection programs (see the Quebec PSTQ entry).

How it works

IRCC lists four steps.

• Check if you qualify: choose a province or territory and see its streams.
• Find out how to apply: the province or territory tells you whether to apply through Express Entry or the non-Express Entry process.
• Apply using the link for your pathway.
• Expect possible delays: processing may take longer when more people apply than there are spaces under the Immigration Levels Plan.

Express Entry-linked streams

For applicants who qualify for both a provincial or territorial stream and a federal Express Entry program. IRCC says that if you are nominated, you create your Express Entry profile, and you receive 600 extra points, which helps you get invited to apply.

Base (non-Express Entry) streams

For applicants who qualify for a provincial or territorial stream but not a federal Express Entry program. The applicant applies through the non-Express Entry application process.

What to check on the official page

Requirements, intake, caps and fees differ by province. Read the stream page of the province you are interested in. A nomination does not guarantee permanent residence; IRCC makes the final decision.

What changes often

Provincial streams, caps, intake and fees change often. IRCC notes processing can take longer when applications exceed spaces under the Immigration Levels Plan. Provinces may charge their own fees; see each province's page.