Canada Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Canada CAN
Last verified 2025-01-01Official source
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates who meet local labour market needs and intend to settle in that province. Each province operates its own streams with varying eligibility criteria, and a provincial nomination adds 600 points to an Express Entry CRS score — virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply. Processing involves two stages: provincial nomination and federal permanent residency application through IRCC.
Program Details
- Category
- Skilled Worker
- Processing Time
- 15 months
- Application Fee
- $1,000
- Minimum Income
- N/A
- Minimum Investment
- N/A
- Family Included
- Spouse/common-law partner and dependent children are included on the application and receive PR simultaneously
- Path to PR
- Yes — 0 years
- Path to Citizenship
- Yes — 3 years
- Physical Presence
- Nominees are generally expected to settle in the nominating province; PR holders must reside 730 days in 5 years nationally
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
- Tax Impact
- Permanent residents are subject to Canadian worldwide income tax from landing date
Income and financial requirements vary by province and stream; some streams require proof of net worth or settlement funds
Key Requirements
- ✓Meet the specific eligibility criteria of the chosen provincial or territorial stream
- ✓Receive a nomination certificate from the province or territory
- ✓Job offer from an employer in the nominating province (required by most, but not all, streams)
- ✓Language proficiency meeting the stream's minimum requirements
- ✓Educational credentials relevant to the targeted occupation
- ✓Intent to reside in the nominating province after receiving permanent residency
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