Provincial Nominee Program

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a province-driven Canadian immigration pathway that offers a direct route to permanent residence for entrepreneurs, business owners, and skilled applicants planning to settle in a specific region of Canada. It is well suited for those looking to establish or operate a business outside major metropolitan centres, or to contribute skills aligned with provincial labour market needs.

The process involves a provincial nomination stage followed by a federal permanent residence application. Program requirements, assessment criteria, and processing timelines vary by province and by stream.

How the Provincial Nominee Program Works

The PNP follows a two-step process: applicants first apply to a province or territory for nomination and then submit a permanent residence application at the federal level.

Depending on the province and stream, there are two main application pathways.

Express Entry–Aligned (Enhanced PNP)

Applicants apply to a province or territory for nomination. After nomination, they create or update their Express Entry profile. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to the Express Entry score, significantly increasing the likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

Non–Express Entry (Base PNP)

Applicants apply to a province or territory for nomination. After receiving the nomination, they apply directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence through the non-Express Entry process.

Depending on the province and stream, some applicants may be eligible to apply for a work permit while their permanent residence application is in process.

Who Is Eligible for the PNP

Eligibility is stream-specific and defined by each province.

To qualify, applicants must:

- meet the requirements of a provincial or territorial PNP stream
- receive a nomination from that province or territory
- be eligible for one of the federal Express Entry programs (Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class)

Applicants must qualify for a provincial or territorial stream, receive a nomination, and then submit a permanent residence application directly to IRCC.

Advantages of Provincial Nominee Program

Direct Path to Permanent Residence

PNP allows applicants to obtain permanent residence through nomination by a Canadian province or territory.

Flexible Application Structure

PNP offers both Express Entry–aligned and non–Express Entry streams, allowing applicants to choose the pathway that best fits their profile and province.

Express Entry Advantage

A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points under Express Entry, increasing the likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

Province-Led Selection

Applicants are selected based on provincial labour market needs and economic priorities, creating opportunities beyond federal-only immigration pathways.

Family Inclusion

Successful applicants may include their spouse or partner and dependent children in the permanent residence application, enabling the entire family to relocate together.

Regional Settlement Opportunities

PNP supports settlement outside Canada’s largest metropolitan centres, encouraging long-term integration and economic contribution at the regional level.

Expected Program Expenses

Federal government fees

- Principal applicant: CAD 1,525 (processing fee CAD 950 and right of permanent residence fee CAD 575)
- Spouse or partner: CAD 1,525
- Dependent child: CAD 260
- Biometrics: CAD 85 per person or CAD 170 per family

Provincial program fees

Examples are provided for selected provinces and streams. Stream-specific requirements and fees should be confirmed on official provincial or territorial websites, as directed by IRCC.

British Columbia (BC PNP – Entrepreneur streams):
- Registration fee: CAD 300
- Application fee (after invitation): CAD 3,500

Alberta (AAIP – Rural Entrepreneur Stream):
- Expression of Interest (EOI): CAD 200
- Business Application fee: CAD 3,500

Ontario (OINP – Entrepreneur Stream):
- Application fee: CAD 3,500
- No separate registration or EOI fee applies

Other mandatory or common costs (may vary by case)

Optional costs

Timeline

PNP timelines depend on the stream and how quickly nomination and PR stages move:

Provincial nomination stage

Applicants apply to a province or territory and receive a nomination if approved.

Permanent residence stage

- Express Entry aligned streams: the nomination supports an invitation to apply through Express Entry, with 600 CRS points added.
- Non-Express Entry streams: applicants apply directly to IRCC after receiving a nomination.

Processing times vary by province, stream, and case complexity. Express Entry–aligned PNP applications are typically processed within approximately 6 months, while non–Express Entry PNP applications may take around 16–19 months. Timelines are subject to change and should be confirmed using IRCC’s official processing times tool.

Our support includes:

Net Worth Preparation
& Verification

Support with structuring, documenting, and presenting personal and business assets in line with provincial net worth and verification requirements.

Business Acquisition Identification

Assistance in identifying and assessing eligible businesses for purchase based on stream-specific criteria and provincial guidelines.

Business Concept
Development & Launch

Development and positioning of new business concepts to meet provincial economic priorities and community expectations.

Existing Business Stabilization
or Expansion

Strategic support for stabilizing, relocating, or expanding an existing business to align with nomination requirements.

Market and Opportunity Review

Evaluation of market conditions and identification of viable business opportunities, including acquisition or relocation options.

Application Coordination
& Risk Review

Coordination of provincial nomination and federal permanent residence applications, with a focus on consistency, compliance, and risk management.