Thinking about moving to Canada but not sure if you qualify for Express Entry or want to increase your chances of getting Permanent Residency (PR)? The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) might be your best option. It allows individual provinces and territories in Canada to select skilled workers and entrepreneurs based on their local job market needs.
If you meet the requirements of a specific province, you can get nominated and then apply for Canadian PR—either through Express Entry or directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
If you’re serious about moving to Canada and building a long-term life, this guide will clearly explain how each province offers nomination programs and how you can qualify for them.
What is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and How Does It Work?
The Provincial Nominee Program is a clear pathway to permanent residency in Canada, designed to bring in workers who have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to a specific province or territory. Each province (except Quebec, which has its own system) runs its own PNP with different eligibility rules.
You can apply through two streams:
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Base PNP stream (apply directly to the province): Once nominated, you submit a paper-based PR application to IRCC. Processing is longer, around 18–24 months.
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Enhanced PNP stream (linked with Express Entry): If you’re already in the Express Entry pool and get a provincial nomination, you receive an extra 600 CRS points, almost guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
Let’s now look clearly at the main provinces and territories offering PNPs, what they require, and how you can apply.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
Ontario is Canada’s most populated province and home to major cities like Toronto and Ottawa. It offers one of the most popular PNPs.
Main OINP streams include:
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Human Capital Priorities Stream: For Express Entry candidates with high skills in tech, healthcare, finance, and more. Ontario searches the Express Entry pool and invites people directly. Details here
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Employer Job Offer Stream: For people with a job offer from an Ontario employer. Sub-streams include Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills.
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Masters and PhD Graduate Streams: For international graduates from Ontario universities, no job offer required.
If you’re in Express Entry and want to move to Ontario, make sure your profile is active and complete. Ontario often selects candidates with a CRS score over 460, especially for high-demand sectors.
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
British Columbia is known for its strong tech sector, healthcare system, and beautiful cities like Vancouver and Victoria.
BC PNP has two major pathways:
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Skills Immigration (SI): For workers in skilled, healthcare, entry-level, or semi-skilled jobs.
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Express Entry BC: For candidates in the federal Express Entry system.
Both streams operate under a point-based system called the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). You need a job offer in most categories, but tech professionals are often invited through the BC PNP Tech stream, which gives fast-track processing to workers in 29 specific tech occupations. Program info here
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
Alberta is a great option if you’re looking for affordable living, good jobs, and a strong economy based on energy, agriculture, and tech.
Main AAIP streams include:
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Alberta Express Entry Stream: For Express Entry candidates with CRS as low as 300. Alberta often selects people with ties to the province or work experience in key sectors.
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Alberta Opportunity Stream: For people already working in Alberta on a valid work permit.
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Rural Renewal Stream: For candidates with job offers in smaller Alberta communities.
Alberta’s Express Entry stream is ideal for people with lower CRS scores who may not qualify for federal ITAs. Check eligibility here
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
Saskatchewan is actively looking for skilled immigrants and offers a straightforward and flexible PNP.
Key SINP categories:
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International Skilled Worker – Express Entry and Occupation In-Demand: No job offer required, but you must have experience in an in-demand occupation.
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Saskatchewan Experience Category: For temporary foreign workers already in Saskatchewan.
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Entrepreneur and Farm Categories: For those interested in starting a business or investing in agriculture.
To apply, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). If selected, Saskatchewan will invite you to apply for nomination. More info here
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
Manitoba is an affordable province with growing industries and strong community support for newcomers.
MPNP streams include:
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Skilled Worker in Manitoba: For those with a job offer or work experience in Manitoba.
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Skilled Worker Overseas: For those with a strong connection to Manitoba, such as family or previous education/work.
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International Education Stream: For graduates from Manitoba post-secondary institutions.
Manitoba uses an EOI system and ranks candidates based on points. It’s an ideal option if you have family or connections in the province. Official site here
Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
Nova Scotia is a beautiful coastal province and has become a popular destination for skilled immigrants.
Notable NSNP streams:
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Nova Scotia Demand – Express Entry: For skilled workers with experience in targeted occupations.
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Nova Scotia Experience – Express Entry: For those already working in Nova Scotia for at least 1 year.
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Labour Market Priorities Stream: NS picks profiles from the Express Entry pool based on current labour needs. Past draws have invited nurses, programmers, and other in-demand professionals.
This province is ideal for healthcare professionals, tech workers, and people with strong English skills. Details here
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
New Brunswick is one of the most welcoming provinces, actively recruiting international talent through job fairs and info sessions.
NBPNP main categories:
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Express Entry Labour Market Stream: For candidates already in Express Entry.
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Skilled Worker with Employer Support: Requires a job offer from a New Brunswick employer.
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Strategic Initiative Stream: Targets French-speaking skilled workers.
New Brunswick also invites people through virtual recruitment events. Attending these can help you receive an invitation even if your CRS score is not high. Learn more
Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
PEI is Canada’s smallest province but offers opportunities in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and hospitality.
Key PEI PNP streams:
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PEI Express Entry: You must be in the federal Express Entry system and meet the province’s criteria.
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Labour Impact Category: Requires a job offer in a skilled or intermediate job.
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Business Impact Category: For entrepreneurs looking to start a business in PEI.
PEI runs draws regularly and publishes past CRS scores and selection criteria. It’s a quiet province but great for quality of life. Visit their site
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
This Atlantic province offers strong support for immigrants, especially in healthcare and tech.
NLPNP offers:
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Express Entry Skilled Worker: For candidates with a job offer and an active Express Entry profile.
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Skilled Worker Category: For current workers in the province.
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International Graduate Category: For graduates with job offers in NL.
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Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): A separate but related program also used here.
Newfoundland also runs the Priority Skills NL stream, which selects highly educated people with experience in tech and healthcare—no job offer required. More info here
Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
If you’re open to remote living and outdoor lifestyle, Yukon offers unique opportunities.
Streams include:
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Skilled Worker and Critical Impact Worker: For those with a job offer.
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Express Entry: Linked with federal system.
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Yukon Community Pilot: A special 2-year program that lets people work multiple jobs for one permit.
Yukon has a small population, so job opportunities may be limited, but if you have a job offer here, immigration is often faster. Details here
Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
If you have a job offer in sectors like mining, construction, or government services, NT could be an option.
NTNP includes:
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Employer-Driven Stream: For skilled workers with job offers.
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Business Stream: For entrepreneurs wanting to invest.
NT has a high demand for skilled workers, especially in trades and health, and salaries are competitive due to its location. Learn more
Why PNP?
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs are powerful tools that give you more options to become a permanent resident, especially if your CRS score isn’t high enough for direct Express Entry draws. Each province has unique labour needs, so choosing the right province based on your profession, work experience, and language skills is very important.
If you already qualify for Express Entry, consider enhanced PNP streams for faster processing. If you’re outside the Express Entry system, base PNP streams offer another reliable route.
For updated details and application guidelines, always check the official IRCC page and the websites of the specific provinces.
