Provincial nominee programs (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) lets provinces and territories nominate people whose skills, education and experience fit the local economy and who want to settle there.

Key points

• Each province has its own streams and requirements, and decides how many people it nominates each year.
• 11 provinces and territories run a PNP: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan and Yukon.
• Quebec and Nunavut have no PNP. Quebec has its own selection system.
• The province nominates; IRCC decides on permanent residence.

Two ways to apply for permanent residence

Through Express Entry

For people who qualify for both a provincial stream and a federal program in Express Entry. Nominees get 600 extra CRS points, a very large advantage in the rounds held for PNP candidates.

Outside Express Entry

For people who qualify for the provincial stream but not for a federal program. Once nominated, you apply for permanent residence directly to IRCC through the PR Portal.

The province tells you which route applies.

For French speakers

Some provinces give priority to, or have streams for, French speakers, but these streams change often. For example, Ontario's official page (checked 19/10/2026) says the OINP has launched the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream and closed all other streams.

Note Before planning around a specific PNP stream, check the province's official page: is the stream open, and what are the current rules and process? Don't rely on old articles or word of mouth.

PNP and the C16 work permit

Work experience in a province on a C16 permit, and a job offer from an employer there, are often important factors in provincial worker streams. The details depend on each province.