PNP Programs
Overview
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories, excluding Nunavut and Quebec, to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate and settle in a specific province. Quebec has its own selection criteria for economic immigration.
The primary goal of the PNP is to distribute the benefits of immigration across Canada. Before the PNP’s launch in 1998, most immigrants settled in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. Since then, the Prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) and Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) have attracted more immigrants due to the PNP.
Each PNP includes at least one immigration stream aligned with the federal Express Entry system. Nominations under these streams, known as ‘enhanced nominations’, grant Express Entry candidates an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, virtually guaranteeing permanent residence invitation. Processing times for these applications are typically six months.
Alternatively, individuals can apply through a ‘base’ stream directly to a PNP. Once nominated, the federal government processes their permanent residence application.
PNP Streams
PNP streams offer pathways for immigration to specific Canadian provinces. They include Express Entry-aligned streams (enhanced nominations) granting additional CRS points and faster processing. Base streams allow direct PNP applications leading to provincial nominations for permanent residence.
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (formerly known as the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program or AINP) comprises eight streams categorized into two main groups: one for workers and the other for entrepreneurs. Alberta issues provincial nominations to eligible foreign nationals who meet specific program criteria and intend to reside in the province.
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program
The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) includes the Skills Immigration, Express Entry BC, and Entrepreneur Immigration Streams. These streams are organized into categories aimed at skilled workers, international graduates, and professionals possessing the skills, experience, and qualifications sought in British Columbia.
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program
Manitoba’s provincial immigration program consists of streams that nominate skilled workers and their families for permanent residency in the province. The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) is currently undergoing updates and renewal.
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program
The NBPNP is New Brunswick’s provincial immigration program offering streams for entrepreneurs, international graduates, skilled workers with employer support, and skilled workers in the federal Express Entry system.
Nova Scotia Nominee Program
The NSNP is Nova Scotia’s program to nominate skilled workers, international graduates, entrepreneurs, and professionals for permanent settlement in the province. It features multiple economic immigration streams, including three aligned with Canada’s Express Entry system.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) offers various streams for skilled workers, international students, and entrepreneurs seeking permanent residency in Ontario. It includes streams aligned with the federal Express Entry system, facilitating faster immigration processing.
Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program
The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) provides immigration pathways for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates to settle permanently in PEI. It includes streams tailored for different categories of applicants and supports economic growth in the province.
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) offers immigration streams for skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs to become permanent residents in Saskatchewan. It includes pathways aligned with Express Entry for faster processing of applications.