Provincial Nominee Programs

PNP programs are another option to immigrate to Canada if you do not have enough points to be selected under Express Entry or are not eligible for any other immigration category.

The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province.

Each Canadian province (except Quebec, which has a different selection system) and two territories have their own unique PNP programs. Participating provinces and territories sign agreements with IRCC that allow them to select immigrants based on their specific requirements.

Provinces with PNP programs each have their own selection criteria to find immigrants with skills that the province needs and cannot hire locally. The selection criteria and occupations vary across provinces including information technology, medical, agriculture, trades, business, investors, and applicants with ties to Canada.

How Does the Program Work?

Candidates must first be entered into the Express Entry System with their CRS score (calculate here), then apply to a PNP program (a separate application). You will remain in the Express Entry pool for one year or until you are selected to apply for Permanent Residence.

After the province processes your PNP application (typically 3–4 months), you will receive 600 additional CRS points. With these points, you will almost certainly be selected in the next Express Entry draw, which occurs every two weeks.

Benefits of Applying Under a PNP Program

Once a Provincial Nominee Certificate is granted, you receive 600 points toward your Express Entry score. On average, individuals without a PNP certificate score between 300 and 500.

Recent cutoff scores for Express Entry have been in the 400–500 range. A PNP nomination boosts your score above 900, significantly higher than current cutoff levels.

Available PNP Programs

Manitoba PNP

If you have a close relative living in Manitoba, you may be eligible for this program under the “connection to Manitoba” category. Assessment is required to determine if you are a strong candidate. Currently, a score above 530 is considered competitive.

New Brunswick PNP

If you have a close relative living in New Brunswick, you may also be eligible to apply.

Eligible family members include:

• Brother or sister
• Aunt or uncle
• Nephew or niece
• First cousin
• Mother or father
• Grandmother or grandfather

Occupation-Based PNP

Each Canadian province looks for candidates with skilled job experience to fill labour shortages. Occupation lists vary by province. If you receive a PNP nomination, you are likely to find a job in your field since the nomination reflects a shortage of that skill set.

If you have experience in the categories below and want to apply for Permanent Residence under a PNP, please contact us for assistance.

Administrative Assistants

• Administrative Assistants

Aerospace

• Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics
• Technicians and inspectors

Advertising and Marketing

• Professional occupations in advertising, marketing, and public relations

Agriculture

• Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists
• Managers in agriculture

Engineers

• Civil Engineers
• Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Drafting Technologists and Technicians
• Mechanical Engineers
• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Finance and Accounting

• Accounting and related clerks
• Financial auditors and accountants
• Financial and investment analysts
• Financial sales representatives
• Other financial officers
• Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries

Information Technology

• Computer programmers and interactive media developers
• Computer network technicians
• Information systems analysts and consultants
• Health information management occupations
• User support technicians

Law

• Paralegal and related occupations

Medicine and Health

• Biological technologists and technicians
• Health information management occupations
• Licensed practical nurses
• Registered nurses

Teacher

• College and vocational instructors

Trades

• Appliance servicers and repairers
• Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics
• Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
• Gas fitters

Miscellaneous

• Facility operation and maintenance managers
• Geoscientists and oceanographers
• Managers in social, community, and correctional services
• Social and community service workers
• Property administrators
• Recreation, sports, and fitness program directors
• Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology

Need Help?

Contact us for more information about the Provincial Nominee Program application process or for assistance in preparing an application.