Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

PNP programs offer an alternative route for immigration to Canada for individuals who may not qualify for Express Entry due to insufficient points or eligibility for other immigration categories.

The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) empower Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals aspiring to immigrate and settle in specific regions. With each province (excluding Quebec, which follows a distinct selection system) and two territories having their unique PNP, agreements with the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) enable them to select immigrants meeting their specified criteria.

Provinces with PNP programs establish their selection criteria to attract immigrants possessing skills essential for the province’s needs, which may not be readily available locally. The selection criteria span various fields, including information technology, medicine, agriculture, trades, business, investors, and individuals with ties to Canada.

The program operates in the following manner: Candidates initially enter the Express Entry System with their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and subsequently apply to a PNP program through a separate application process. Remaining in the Express Entry pool for up to a year or until selected for Permanent Residence, candidates, upon the province processing their PNP application (typically 3-4 months), receive an additional 600 points for their Express Entry score. This elevated score facilitates selection and invitation to apply for Permanent Residence during the bi-weekly draws.

Benefits of applying through the PNP program include the issuance of a Provincial Nominee Certificate, which adds 600 points to the Express Entry score. Individuals without a PNP certificate typically score between 300 and 500 points. The PNP certificate, contributing an additional 600 points, results in a final Express Entry score exceeding 900, significantly surpassing the current cutoff selection score of around 400-500 points.