Provincial and territorial nominee programs are designed for applicants who meet local economic and settlement priorities. An enhanced nomination may add points to an Express Entry profile, but it does not remove the need to meet federal eligibility and admissibility requirements. Stream rules, intake periods, and selection criteria change, so confirm them with the province or territory and IRCC.
How the PNP Works
Each province and territory operates its own PNP streams targeting workers, entrepreneurs, graduates, and semi-skilled workers. There are two types of PNP applications: Enhanced PNP (linked to Express Entry) where a provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, and Base PNP (paper-based) where you apply directly to the province and then separately to IRCC for permanent residence.
PNP Streams by Province
Ontario (OINP)
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program includes Human Capital Priorities (draws from Express Entry), Skilled Trades, French-Speaking Skilled Worker, Employer Job Offer streams, and the International Student stream. Ontario regularly draws candidates with CRS scores lower than federal Express Entry draws.
British Columbia (BC PNP)
BC PNP Skills Immigration includes Skilled Worker, Entry Level and Semi-Skilled, International Graduate, and International Post-Graduate streams. BC also has an Express Entry BC stream aligned with federal Express Entry. Tech workers are particularly favoured.
Alberta (AINP)
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program includes Alberta Opportunity Stream for workers in eligible occupations, Express Entry Stream for candidates with strong ties to Alberta, Rural Renewal Stream for smaller communities, and Rural Entrepreneur Stream.
Quebec
Quebec has its own immigration system separate from the federal PNP. The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) and Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) are the main pathways. Quebec prioritizes French speakers. Immigration to Quebec is managed by the provincial Ministry of Immigration.
Manitoba (MPNP)
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program includes Skilled Workers in Manitoba (with job offer), Skilled Workers Overseas (with connections to Manitoba), International Education Stream (for Manitoba graduates), and Business Investor Stream.
Saskatchewan (SINP)
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program includes International Skilled Worker (Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand), Saskatchewan Experience Category, and Entrepreneur and Farm categories. Saskatchewan has lower CRS requirements than Ontario and BC.
Atlantic Provinces
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland all run PNPs in addition to the federal Atlantic Immigration Program. These provinces have lower competition and actively seek skilled workers in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades.
Northern Territories
Yukon Nominee Program, Northwest Territories Nominee Program, and Nunavut do not have a PNP but uses the federal Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot. These territories offer excellent opportunities for workers willing to live in smaller communities.
How to Get a Provincial Nomination
Research Provincial Streams
Identify which provinces have streams matching your occupation, education, and language skills. Check if you have connections to a province through previous study, work, or family.
Register Your Interest or Apply Directly
Some provinces use Expressions of Interest systems that draw from a pool of candidates. Others allow direct applications. Check the specific province website for current streams and requirements.
Receive a Nomination
If selected, you receive a provincial nomination certificate. For Enhanced PNP, notify IRCC through your Express Entry profile to receive the 600-point boost. For Base PNP, you apply directly to IRCC.
Apply for Permanent Residence
With an ITA (Enhanced) or directly (Base PNP), submit your complete permanent residence application to IRCC within the required timeframe.
PNP planning tip: Review only the streams whose current eligibility rules match your work history, education, language results, job offer, or connection to the province. Do not assume that a stream is open or accessible based on an old draw.
Written and reviewed by the GuideCAN Editorial Team
Editorially reviewed against IRCC guidance. This article is general information, not immigration or legal advice.
Official sources
Official rules, fees, deadlines and program availability can change. Confirm the current details before acting.