What is the Provincial Nominee Program?
Citizenship and Immigration Canada has signed up with provinces and territories (except Quebec – which has a separate selection program) in Canada, allowing them to nominate immigrants through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
The most well-known Provincial Programs in Canada is the British Columbia PNP (also known as BC PNP), Manitoba PNP and Alberta PNP.
Those who wish to apply under Provincial Nominee Programs must have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of that province or territory and must want to live there. Provincial Nomination is also an important fast-track option available for Canadian Permanent Residency.
How it works and Express Entry
Each province and territory has its own “streams” (immigration programs that target certain groups) and criteria for their PNP. For example, in a program stream, provinces and territories may target students, business people, skilled workers or semi-skilled workers. In some Provinces, applicants with family members, close relatives or family friends in that particular province are given additional advantage.
The following Provinces are currently participating in the PNP:
- Alberta
- British Columbia (BC PNP)
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon