Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) in Canada: Complete Guide for 2026

What Is a Provincial Nominee Program?

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow Canadian provinces and territories to select immigrants who meet their specific economic and labour market needs. A provincial nomination gives you 600 additional points in the Express Entry system — essentially guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residency.

PNPs are one of the most popular immigration pathways, accounting for over 25% of all new permanent residents in Canada each year.

How PNPs Work

Each province runs its own PNP with multiple streams targeting different applicant profiles:

• Aligned streams: Linked to Express Entry — if nominated, you get 600 CRS points
• Base streams: Apply directly to the province; if nominated, apply separately for PR through IRCC

PNPs by Province

British Columbia (BC PNP)

BC PNP has the Skills Immigration stream for skilled workers and Express Entry BC for Express Entry candidates. BC is especially attractive for tech workers through the BC PNP Tech program, which has draws every two weeks.

Ontario (OINP)

Ontario's Immigrant Nominee Program is the largest PNP in Canada. Streams include the Human Capital Priorities stream (Express Entry), Employer Job Offer stream, and the French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream.

Alberta (AINP)

Alberta focuses on workers with a job offer or ties to Alberta. The Alberta Opportunity Stream targets workers already employed in Alberta on a work permit.

Saskatchewan (SINP)

Saskatchewan has an International Skilled Worker stream and an Occupations In-Demand stream that doesn't always require a job offer.

Manitoba (MPNP)

Manitoba prioritizes applicants with connections to Manitoba (family, previous work/study) and Skilled Workers Overseas with in-demand occupation experience.

Atlantic Provinces (AIP)

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) covers New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland. It requires a job offer from a designated Atlantic employer. See: Atlantic Immigration Program guide

How to Choose the Right Province

• Where is your occupation in-demand?
• Do you have family or connections there?
• Do you already have a job offer in that province?
• What are the language requirements?
• What is the cost of living vs. your expected salary?

Use our cost of living calculator to compare cities across Canada.

Processing Times

PNP processing times vary by province and stream:

• BC PNP Tech: 2–3 months
• Ontario OINP: 3–6 months
• Atlantic AIP: 3–4 months
• After nomination + PR application: additional 6–12 months for IRCC to process