Canada's provincial nominee programs (PNPs) offer a pathway to Canadian permanent residence for individuals who are interested in immigrating to a specific Canadian province or territory. Each Canadian province and territory operates its own PNP designed to meet its specific economic and demographic needs.
As such, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province. The only exceptions are the Northern Canada territory of Nunavut and Quebec. Instead, the province of Quebec has the authority to establish its own selection criteria for economic immigration.
Under Provincial Nominee Programs, provinces and territories in Canada can nominate individuals and families who wish to settle in their province or territory based on criteria set by the province.
Each province and territory determines their own eligibility criteria for Provincial Nominee Programs. For example, one province might prioritize bringing in provincial nominees with experience in a certain occupation, while another province might prioritize bringing in provincial nominees with French-language experience. It depends on the needs of each specific province and territory.
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In order to become a provincial nominee, applicants must show that they meet the set criteria. This will show that the applicant has the skills, education, and work experience to be able to make a positive contribution to the local economy and society. The province or territory will consider the application based on the needs of the specific province, as well as the applicant’s genuine intention to settle there.
Within each PNP, there are multiple sub-programs and categories, usually known as “streams”.
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, formerly known as the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) consists of eight streams divided into two main categories : one for workers and the other for entrepreneurs. The province issues provincial nominations to foreign nationals who meet program-specific criteria and demonstrate an intention to reside in the prairie province.
The BC PNP consists of the Skills Immigration, Express Entry BC and Entrepreneur Immigration Streams. These streams are divided into categories that target skilled workers, international graduates and other professionals with skills, experience and qualifications needed in B.C.
Manitoba's provincial immigration program is comprised of streams designed to nominate skilled workers and their families who wish to work and live in the province permanently.
The NBPNP is New Brunswick's provincial immigration program with streams targeting entrepreneurs, international graduates, skilled workers with employer support and skilled workers in the federal government's Express Entry selection system
The NLPNP accepts immigration applications from skilled workers, international graduates and entrepreneurs who meet program-specific criteria such as a job or job offer, intent to reside, and the ability to become economically established in the province.
The NSNP is Nova Scotia's program for the nomination of eligible skilled workers, international graduates, entrepreneurs and professionals looking to settle permanently in the province
Through the OINP, Ontario nominates foreign workers, international students, business owners or entrepreneurs who have the skills, experience, education and intent to settle in the province as permanent residents.
The PEI PNP is the island province's economic immigration program for skilled workers, international graduates, entrepreneurs who demonstrate the intention to live and work in PEI, and show the ability to become economically established in the province
The SINP is Saskatchewan's dedicated immigration program for the selection and nomination of eligible foreign nationals through various pathways, including its leading International Skilled Worker: Express Entry and Occupation In-Demand categories
The Northwest Territories accepts economic immigration applications to settle in Northern Canada under two main streams - the Employer Driven and Business - one of which has three distinct streams, including an Express Entry-aligned stream for skilled workers.
Yukon's official provincial immigration program assists eligible employers in Canada's northern territory to nominate internationally-trained foreign workers and businesspeople for Canadian permanent residence