Everything You Need to Know about Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Nov 15, 2024

1. What is a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who want to immigrate to Canada and settle in a specific province. Each PNP is tailored to the province's specific economic and labor needs.

2. Do I need to live in the province that nominates me?

Yes, if you receive a nomination through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you are expected to live and work in the province that nominated you. Moving to another province too soon after gaining permanent residence could raise concerns with immigration authorities about your original intent.

3. What is the CRS cut-off for PNPs?

Each Express Entry-linked PNP stream has a different Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off. For instance, while a nomination adds 600 points, provinces like Ontario and Alberta have varying CRS thresholds to issue Notifications of Interest (NOIs).

Some provinces, like Saskatchewan and Manitoba, use their own points-based system rather than the CRS to rank candidates. Other provinces may have PNP streams that do not rely on any points system, focusing instead on specific labor needs or targeted occupations.

Reference: Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream CRS Requirements | Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program Points System

4. What is the difference between NOI and EOI?

NOI (Notification of Interest): A Notification of Interest is issued by a province to candidates in the Express Entry pool whose profiles meet the provincial requirements. Provinces use the Express Entry system to identify candidates that align with their labor market needs and send an NOI as the first step towards obtaining a provincial nomination. If you receive an NOI, it means the province is interested in nominating you, and you can proceed to submit an application for their Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
EOI (Expression of Interest): In provinces like British Columbia, candidates must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the province’s own portal, in addition to having a valid Express Entry profile number. An EOI indicates your interest in immigrating to that province. The province then invites candidates who meet their cut-off score with an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for provincial nomination. Once the province approves the application, the nomination is added to the candidate’s Express Entry profile, giving them an additional 600 points in their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

4. How do I apply for a PNP?

To apply for a PNP, the process will depend on whether you're applying through an Express Entry-linked PNP stream or a Non-Express Entry stream:

Express Entry-based PNP:
- First, create an Express Entry profile.
- If you meet a province’s criteria, you may receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) or follow an Expression of Interest (EOI) based system on the province’s portal.
- Apply to the province for nomination. Once nominated, you'll receive 600 additional CRS points, practically guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Non-Express Entry PNP:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) directly to the province. If selected, you will apply for the provincial nomination through the province’s process.
- Once nominated, you apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency through a online application or rarely a paper-based application.

For more detailed guidance on applying, read our Guide to Applying for PNPs (link to blog #2).

5. Do I need proof of funds for PNP?

It depends on the program. Proof of funds is typically required to demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself and your family once you settle in Canada. If you already have a valid job offer or are applying through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), proof of funds is not required. For PNP programs that don’t require a job offer, Proof of funds is typically required.

Reference: Proof of Funds for Express Entry

6. Can I apply for a PNP without a job offer?

Yes, several provinces offer PNP streams that do not require a job offer. These include streams like Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream or Saskatchewan’s Occupation In-Demand Stream, which are designed to attract individuals with skills and experience in high-demand occupations.

Reference: Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream | Saskatchewan Occupation In-Demand Stream

7. Does getting a nomination of interest from a province mean I have been successfully nominated?

Receiving a Notification of Interest (NOI) from a province is a positive step, but it does not guarantee that you will receive a provincial nomination. The NOI indicates that the province is interested in your profile, but you must still go through the province’s formal application process, which involves submitting additional documents and meeting all the eligibility requirements of that specific Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

8. What happens if my CRS score is below the cut-off?

If your CRS score is below the cut-off for the federal Express Entry draws, you can improve your chances by seeking a provincial nomination. A provincial nomination through an Express Entry-based stream will add 600 points to your CRS score, practically guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

9. What happens after receiving a PNP?

After receiving a provincial nomination, you apply for permanent residency through IRCC:

Express Entry-based PNP: For Express Entry-based PNP nominations, accept the PNP nomination in your Express Entry portal to receive the extra 600 points. This will likely result in an ITA in the next draw.
Non-Express Entry PNP: You submit your application for permanent residence using the Permanent Residence Portal or a paper-based process.
Reference: Post-Nomination Steps

10. How long does the PNP process take?

The processing time varies depending on the province and the stream. It can take anywhere between a few weeks to several months to process. However, Express Entry-based PNP streams tend to be faster compared to Non-Express Entry streams.

11. Which province has the highest PNP immigration, and which has the lowest?

Highest PNP Immigration: Ontario has the highest number of PNP immigrants due to its large population and demand for skilled workers, followed by British Columbia and Alberta.
Lowest PNP Immigration: Smaller provinces like Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and New Brunswick generally have fewer PNP immigrants due to their smaller populations and fewer labor market needs.

Reference: The Provincial Nominee Program: Provincial differences

12. Can international students apply for a PNP?

Yes, many provinces offer International Graduate Streams for students who have completed their studies in Canada. These streams usually require a degree or diploma from a Canadian institution, and in some cases, a job offer in the province may be necessary.

Reference: Ontario International Student Stream

13. Do I need to provide language test results for a PNP?

Most PNP streams, especially those aligned with Express Entry, require you to provide valid language test results in either English or French. Non-Express Entry streams may have lower language requirements or might not require language test results at all, depending on the province and the stream.

14. How do I choose which PNP to apply for?

Choosing the right PNP depends on several factors, including your skills, work experience, and the specific labor market needs of each province. Some provinces prioritize specific occupations, while others focus on international graduates or business investors.

To help simplify this decision-making process, our future tool will assess your profile and suggest the best PNP options accordingly. Stay tuned for more information!

Conclusion

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer a range of pathways to Canadian permanent residency, whether through Express Entry-based streams or traditional non-Express Entry streams. By understanding the different processes, requirements, and benefits, you can better navigate your PNP application. Use the resources provided to explore your options and take the first step toward making Canada your new home.