The Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) allows provinces to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province. Provincial Nomination is an important fast-track option for Canadian Permanent Residency. Each Canadian province and one territory have their own unique Provincial Nomination Programs (except for Quebec, which has a different selection system).

• Each PNP is tailored to the province's/ territory's specific needs to select nominees who will be able to settle into life and work in the region and to effectively contribute to the community.

From September 17, 2020 to March 10, 2021, provincial and territorial jurisdictions will be able to request that paper-based Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applications be placed on hold in cases where an applicant has experienced a job loss in Canada as a result of the pandemic, or has applied through a business, entrepreneur or self-employed stream, and their application was received prior to March 18, 2020.

The processing of these applications will be put on hold until September 10, 2021, until the province or territory confirms that it continues to support the nomination, or until a new job offer is received along with a new confirmation from the province or territory, whichever comes first.

How can I apply to PNP?

You can apply to these PNP programs if you want to become permanent residents of Canada and want to live in one of the particular province. You must have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory.

Each province and territory has its own “streams” (immigration programs that target certain groups) and requirements. For example, in a program stream, provinces and territories may target:

• students
• business people
• skilled workers
• semi-skilled workers

Criteria that provinces take into consideration may include the following:

• Job offer in the province
• Education
• Work experience in critical industries
• English and/or French Language skills
• Close relations in that province
• Ability to adapt to life in that province

Application process:

You might need to apply using the paper-based process, or by the online process through Express Entry.

As part of the process, you will have to pass a medical exam and get a police check (certificate). Everyone must have these checks, no matter where they plan to live in Canada.

In both cases:

• You must meet the eligibility requirements of the province or territory. And,
• You must submit an Express Entry profile and show that you meet the minimum criteria for Express Entry, including being eligible for one of the immigration programs it covers.
• If you are invited to apply, you submit an electronic application to IRCC.

The criteria by province and territory vary and can change without notice.