Provincial Nominee Programs

Canadian provinces play an important role in the selection of new immigrants through the  Provincial Nominee Programs, which allow each province and territory to select skilled immigrants based on the province’s economic needs.

Immigrating to Canada via a provincial nomination can be an effective alternative to an Express Entry-based immigration application.  Although immigrants sometimes think of PNP as the non-Express Entry program, it is possible to be invited to apply for a provincial nomination via Express Entry.

While a PNP may be the right path for you, it’s important to know that it’s not less competitive to get permanent residency through a PNP and provincial requirements vary greatly.

Once you receive a provincial nomination certificate, the permanent residence application is processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on the federal level. At this stage, the adjudicating officer will evaluate the applicant’s ability to become economically established in Canada as well as the intention to reside within the province/ territory that nominated them, which means that a well prepared application will play a role. IRCC may also consider your Express Entry profile in this process.

There are more than 80 different provincial economic stream programs available for students, skilled and semi-skilled workers, and entrepreneurs.

Please note that Quebec has its own immigration system and does not fall within the realm of the PNP framework. If you are interested in immigrating to Quebec, we can refer you to a Quebec-based law firm.