How to Apply for the Provincial Nominee Programs

What is a Provincial Nominee Programs?

Although the federal government is in charge of Immigration for Canada (with certain exceptions in relation to Quebec) the government allows the provinces the ability to “nominate” people they wish to come to settle in their province. These programs are called PNP or “Provincial Nominee Programs”. The government allows the provinces the ability to “nominate” people they wish to come to settle in their province. These programs are called PNP or “Provincial Nominee Programs”. There are different streams in these programs and some provinces have family support streams where they allow family members to sponsor people, as long as they can provide them support. The process can open up different options but has some added steps and approvals at the provincial level.

What Canadian Provinces Offer PNPs?

Currently in 2019, there are eleven territories that are participating in the program. Criteria and eligibilities vary depending on the place of nomination.
•  Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
•  British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
•  Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
•  Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
•  New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
•  Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP)
•  Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
•  Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
•  Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
•  Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
•  Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)

What is the Express Entry Stream of PNP?

The Express Entry stream of a PNP is the stream aligned with federal express entry system. Under this stream a Canadian provinces are allowed to select the candidates from express entry pool and notify them to apply in their Provincial Nominee Program.

Express Entry vs PNP: Which One Should I Choose for Canada Permanent Residency?

Many people who are interested in Canadian PR ask this question, which program they should apply for. Express Entry is by far the most popular and typically the fastest program to obtain Canadian Permanent Residency through. The Express Entry program calculates a score for each applicant depending on a collection of categories. However, if your CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) is low, you can plan to apply in any of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for Canada. Many PNPs accept the applicant even with low CRS score.