RCIC R509156Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) R509156Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Canada's provinces and territories each run their own immigration streams, tailored to their own labour markets — and a provincial nomination is one of the fastest, most reliable routes to permanent residence. With over 91,500 nomination spaces available in 2026 and streams changing constantly, knowing which province and which stream fits you is often the difference between a fast approval and months of confusion.
Overview
How the PNP Works
Every province and territory except Quebec runs its own Provincial Nominee Program, and each typically offers streams in two broad categories.
You need an active federal Express Entry profile. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score — effectively guaranteeing an invitation to apply in the next federal draw.
No federal Express Entry profile is required. You apply to the province directly, and if nominated, submit a separate permanent residence application to IRCC. Processing is typically slower than the Express Entry route.
Most streams require some combination of: a job offer from an employer in that province, work experience matching the occupation's skill level (TEER), a minimum language score, and a genuine intention to live in that province. Some provinces also run streams for international graduates, entrepreneurs, and — in a few cases — candidates with no job offer at all, based purely on an in-demand occupation list.
2026 Note: Several Provinces Have Overhauled Their Programs This Year
PNP streams change often, and 2026 has brought unusually large changes. Ontario eliminated all 8 of its former OINP streams in June 2026 and replaced them with a single new stream. Nova Scotia consolidated 10 streams into 4 in February 2026. British Columbia closed its dedicated Tech streams in an April 2026 reform. New Brunswick has temporarily restricted a major pathway to healthcare, education, and construction occupations only. If something you've read about a specific stream is more than a few months old, it's worth double-checking before you rely on it.
Coverage
Provinces & Territories Covered
This guide covers all PNP jurisdictions except Quebec, which runs its own separate immigration selection system.
Nunavut does not currently operate a Provincial/Territorial Nominee Program.
Fees
Provincial Fees
Provincial nomination fees vary significantly by province and stream.
No Application Fee
Alberta, Nova Scotia, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories currently charge no application fee for their PNP streams.
Fees Apply
British Columbia and Ontario, among others, charge fees that can run from several hundred to well over a thousand dollars per application, depending on the stream.
These fees are separate from, and in addition to, the federal permanent residence application fees paid to IRCC once nominated. Exact fees change frequently and vary by stream — we confirm the current fee for your specific pathway before you apply.
Our Services
How We Can Help
Processing times and intake schedules vary by province and stream — we track them so you don't have to.
Finding Your Best-Fit Stream
Identifying which province and stream actually fits your occupation, experience, and connections.
Tracking Draws & Priority Lists
Tracking Expression of Interest (EOI) draws and shifting priority occupation lists on your behalf.
Preparing Your Application
Preparing a competitive EOI profile and full nomination application from start to finish.
Coordinating With Express Entry
Coordinating the provincial nomination with your federal Express Entry profile or standalone PR application.
Keeping You Current
Keeping you current as provinces redesign their programs — which, as 2026 has shown, happens often.
FAQs
Provincial Nominee Program, FAQ
Not sure which province fits you?
With over 80 active streams across 11 jurisdictions — several redesigned in just the past few months — let our licensed immigration professionals match you to the streams you actually qualify for.
This page covers Provincial Nominee Programs outside Quebec, which operates its own separate immigration selection system. PNP streams, eligibility criteria, and intake are managed independently by each province and territory and change frequently — this is a guide and not legal advice.