Canada’s provincial nominee programs (PNPs) are a pathway to Canadian PR for people interested in immigrating to Canada and settling in a specific Canadian province or territory. Each province and territory has its own PNP to meet its economic and demographic needs. Various PNP streams are offered to facilitate immigration to Canada, which are a vital part of Canadian immigration policy. In 2024 and 2026, more than 350,000 people are expected to obtain permanent residence in Canada through a Provincial Nominee Program. The federal government has increased provinces’ annual allocations for their respective PNPs over recent years.
The Provincial Nominee Program allows the provinces and territories in Canada to nominate people who want to immigrate to Canada and are interested in settling in a particular territory or province. Quebec is the province that has the authority to establish its selection criteria for economic immigration. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the details about PNPs, their advantages, eligibility requirements, the types of PNP processes, and how to apply for the Provincial nominee program for Canada from Pakistan.
What are Provincial Nominee Programs?
Each province operates its own PNP streams to meet its immigration goals. The provinces design these programs, so their eligibility criteria, requirements, and application procedures vary from province to province and stream to stream. However, provincial nominee programs are the most straightforward pathway to permanent Canadian residence.
The pathway to Canadian PR through PNP is a two-part process. In the first part, the province must nominate the applicant for PR in Canada. However, after receiving the provincial nomination, the successful applicant must apply to the federal government for permanent residence. First, the applicant needs approval at the provincial level. Then, they must apply to the federal level for the final decision.
The government makes all decisions regarding PR for Canada at the national level, so Canada’s provinces cannot independently approve PR status, which is why provincial programs are considered “nominee” programs.
Provinces and Territories
Here is the list of provinces and territories offering Provincial Nominee programs:
- Alberta
- Manitoba
- British Columbia
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Northwest Territories
- Ontario
- Quebec
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
How many PNPs are there in Canada?
There are several Canadian provincial nominee programs with several streams, totaling more than 80 different provincial nominee programs. Some of the PNPs are named below:
- Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
- Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
Advantages of the Provincial Nominee Programs
Faster Processing Time: PNP applications are generally processed quicker than federal programs, potentially leading to permanent residency within months.
Lower CRS Requirements: While some PNPs still utilize the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), their minimum scores are often lower than those required for Express Entry.
Targeted Programs: Many PNP cater to specific industries or occupations, increasing your chances of success if your skills align with their needs.
Provincial Connection: A preexisting connection to a province, such as through work experience or education, strengthens your PNP application.
The process to apply for a Provincial Nominee Program in Canada
Following are the steps one needs to follow to apply for a Canadian PNP:
- Find the Right PNP: Check the list of provinces and territories that offer these programs and determine the area where you would like to immigrate. Then, check the requirements for each PNP and determine your eligibility based on these requirements.
- Apply to your chosen PNP: Apply directly to the chosen PNP of your desired province.
- Get a Provincial Nomination certificate: Submit your application and await the nomination. After you get your nomination certificate, apply for PR in Canada.
- Apply for PR for Canada: Apply to the Canadian federal government for PR. You can apply online with the Express Entry PNP. In case of a non-express entry pathway, you must submit a paper-based application to the IRCC.
Canada PNP application options
There are two ways to apply for the PNP:
- Express Entry aligned process
- Non-Express Entry aligned process
Provincial nominations issued under the Express Entry streams are called ‘enhanced nominations.’ These streams benefit candidates by awarding them an additional 600 points, which enhances their chance of receiving a PR invitation under Express Entry. Another benefit is that the federal government processes its PR applications quickly, usually within six months.
Besides enhanced nominations, the other way to obtain permanent residence through the PNP is through a ‘base’ stream. You can apply directly to a PNP stream, and after receiving your provincial nomination, the federal government will process the PR application.
Express Entry Provincial Nominee Programs.
Canada introduced the Express Entry system in 2015 to manage applications for Canadian PR. Since then, many provinces and territories in Canada have developed PNP streams aligned with this system. Express Entry PNPs require an applicant to have an Express Entry profile to meet the PNP eligibility requirements and to apply through it.
Suppose an applicant is nominated through a PNP aligned with Express Entry. The applicant is credited with 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. Getting these points increases the chance of being invited to apply (ITA) for PR in the Express Entry draw.
Process to apply through the Express Entry Path
- Create an account and submit an Express Entry profile.
- Apply to an Express Entry-aligned PNP
- Receive an Express Entry stream nomination.
- Confirm the nomination on your profile and receive 600 additional points.
- Wait for the invitation to apply for PR in Canada.
- Apply for Canadian permanent residence through the Express Entry system.
There are different PNPs, and the process for applying and receiving a nomination also varies from one program to another.
- Some programs always accept applications from qualified applicants.
- Some programs use an Expression of Interest (EOI) system (where qualified applicants submit a profile ranked on a points-based system.
- Other PNPs select candidates directly from the Express Entry pool or invite foreign nationals to submit applications for a formal Expression of Interest.
The application process for these programs can be confusing, and applications can only be accepted if submitted correctly. Applicants are advised to complete the applications correctly and submit them through the proper channel to avoid any problem.
How much does it cost to immigrate through a PNP?
The cost of immigrating through a Provincial Nominee Program depends on the program you are immigrating through and the region you choose. Some Canadian provinces and territories do not charge processing fees, whereas other regions may charge the processing fee. Ontario charges as much as CAD 1,500. The breakdown of the cost to immigrate to Canada through PNP is:
- Language tests cost around $300
- Educational Credential Assessment cost about $200
- Charges for biometrics could be around $85 per person
- Government fees can be $1,325 for an adult and $225 per child
- Medical examination fees for an adult is $450 and for a child is $250
- Police clearance certificates can cost $100
- Provincial Nominee Program processing fees: Up to CAD 1500 (applicable in few regions).
Total cost: Between ~$2,300 – $3,800
Eligibility Requirements
The eligibilty of a candidate is determined on the basis of his skills, education and work experience and how these skills can help a province in meeting its demographic and labor market needs. Other factors that determine an individual’s eligibility for the Provincial nominee program are:
- Strong ties with the host province (like previous work experience in that province, a job offer, education, or some family ties)
- Work experience in an in-demand occupation
- Strong proficiency in English proficiency or French
Required Documents
Applicants must present the following documents to apply for the PNP program in Canada. Here is the list of required documents to apply:
- A valid passport and complete travel history
- 67 points in Canada’s PNP Points grid
- Educational credentials
- Work experience
- Medical insurance
- Police clearance certificate
- Other supporting requirements
Processing Time for PNP Canada
The processing time for permanent residency through PNP depends on the province and the stream to which an applicant applies.
Express Entry applications receive priority in their review and are processed in about 5 to 6 months. However, standard non-Express Entry applications come second on the priority list, so the processing time for these applications are between 12 to 24 months.
Quebec, a province with distinctive PNP requirements, previously processed PNP nominations in just 20 days. However, it has instead elected to adopt the maximum 6-month processing model.
Non-Express Entry Nominee program/base Nominee program
In this category, the applicants do not require to make an express entry profile for nominations rather they make their application for permanent residence directly with the territory or province according to the requirements of the selected program. Base nominations are preferred by candidates who are not eligible for Express Entry and the candidates participating in base nominations will not receive 600 CRS points in their Express Entry profile. The immigration process for non-express entry nominations consists of two steps:
Step 1: The candidates must apply under a non-Express Entry-aligned provincial nominee program and secure a Provincial Nomination Certificate.
Step 2: Once the candidate has received the Provincial Nomination Certificate, they must apply to IRCC (Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada) for permanent residence. IRCC will issue the permanent resident visa after successfully passing the medical and police/penal checks.
How to apply through the ‘base’ PNP process
The process to apply through base PNPs is a two step process. In the first step
- Apply for nomination
- If nominated, apply for Canadian PR through the Permanent Residence Portal.
Once a province or territory of Canada has nominated you, you can submit your application for Canadian PR to IRCC’s online Permanent Residence Portal.
Base PNP, permanent residence applications are paper applications and they take much longer to process than electronic applications. A paper-based application through base PNP process is processed in an average of 18 months.
Conclusion
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are a valuable pathway to Canadian Permanent Residence from Pakistan in 2024. They offer diverse opportunities for international students and individuals with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. By understanding the various PNPs available, such as those in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, you can find the best route to achieve your dream of living and working in Canada. There are also other Canadian immigration options like federal express entry and skilled worker visas. Still, PNPs are among the most efficient ways to get Canadian permanent residency. You can further explore the details of a provincial nominee program for Canada from Pakistan by contacting the most experienced immigration consultant in Pakistan. HSA consultants can provide guidance about these programs and help you choose the best option. They can facilitate the application process to obtain provincial nomination for immigration to Canada.
