Migratio Canada · Guides · Find consultants · For consultants

Provincial Nominee Program explained: provincial streams and the two paths to PR

Under the Provincial Nominee Program, a province or territory nominates people it wants to settle, and IRCC handles the permanent residence application. IRCC describes two paths: an Express Entry path, where a nomination adds 600 points to a profile, and a non-Express Entry path. Each province sets its own streams and numbers, and Quebec and Nunavut have no program.

"PNP" is one of the most searched abbreviations in Canadian immigration, and one of the least explained. It is not one program. It is a federal framework inside which each province and territory runs its own streams, with its own criteria, its own application system and its own limits on how many people it can nominate.

This guide explains the structure: what the federal government does, what a province does, the two application paths IRCC describes, the legal definition in the Regulations, how the 600 points fit into Express Entry, what happens after a nomination, and where the picture differs by province. It is general information. It cannot tell anyone whether they are likely to be nominated, which province or stream to choose, or what to say in an application. Every rule was read on IRCC's Provincial Nominee Program pages (dated 14 September 2026) and in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (current to 21 September 2026) on 10 October 2026. Provincial streams open, close and change often, so the page of the province you are interested in is the page that counts.

What the Provincial Nominee Program is

IRCC describes the program in plain terms. Provinces and territories nominate people who have the skills, education or work experience to contribute to the local economy, who want to live in that province or territory, and who want to become permanent residents. IRCC adds that each province or territory has its own requirements and sets how many people it can nominate each year.

That last point is the heart of it. There is no single national list of streams to apply to. The federal government sets the framework and processes the final permanent residence application; the province decides whom to put forward. The province chooses its priorities, from health care workers to tech workers to entrepreneurs to graduates of local schools, and publishes its own streams.

IRCC's page tells people to choose a province or territory to see its streams, and then to confirm with that province whether it uses the Express Entry process or the non-Express Entry process. The first step is therefore always a provincial page, not a federal one.

Quebec and Nunavut are the exceptions. IRCC's page says that Quebec and Nunavut do not have provincial nominee programs and directs people to those governments' own sites for other options. Quebec's own selection of economic immigrants is outside what the federal PNP page covers; use Quebec's government site.

The program is also not an automatic route. A nomination is a province's endorsement; IRCC still reviews the application, applies the usual admissibility checks, and decides. Nothing on IRCC's page suggests that a nomination ends the process.

The two paths IRCC describes

IRCC's page does not use the labels "base" and "enhanced", though many guides do. It describes two application paths:

The Express Entry path. This applies if you qualify for both a provincial or territorial stream and a federal Express Entry program. The province or territory tells you which process you must use. If you are nominated, you create an Express Entry profile, and IRCC says: "You’ll get 600 extra points, which helps you get invited to apply for permanent residence."

The non-Express Entry path. This applies if you qualify for a provincial stream but not for a federal Express Entry program. You start the permanent residence application directly with IRCC, using the non-Express Entry application link on IRCC's page.

Some provinces use language of their own for these. BC, for example, describes an "Express Entry BC" option as a version of its worker streams for people already in the federal pool, and Saskatchewan has a "Saskatchewan Express Entry" sub-category. Alberta has an "Alberta Express Entry Stream". The names are provincial; the federal mechanism is the one described above. See the BC PNP overview, the Alberta streams guide and the SINP overview for how each province describes its own.

A person can sit in the Express Entry pool and also be assessed by a province. The two systems are separate: the Express Entry pool is managed by IRCC (see Express Entry explained), and a province's registration or expression-of-interest pool is managed by the province. A province's invitation or nomination decision is the province's.

What the Regulations say

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations give the program its legal shape in section 87. A foreign national is a member of the provincial nominee class if they are named in a nomination certificate that meets three conditions: - it is issued by the government of a province under a provincial nomination agreement in force between that province and the Minister at the time of nomination; - it is made in accordance with provincial selection criteria approved in writing by the Minister; and - it is made on the basis of the foreign national's ability to become economically established in Canada and their intention to reside in the province that nominated them.

Section 87(3) allocates the evaluation. The province that issues the certificate "has the sole responsibility to evaluate" the foreign national's ability to become economically established and their intention to reside in that province, according to the provincial criteria the Minister has approved. In plain terms, the economic-establishment question is the province's to answer, which is why the stream rules differ so much between provinces.

Section 87(5) excludes some nominations. A person is not a member of the class if the nomination was based on the provision of capital by the foreign national, or if they intend to participate in, or have participated in, an immigration-linked investment scheme. Section 87(6) creates an exception where the capital goes into a business in the nominating province, other than one run mainly to earn investment income, the person will control at least one third of the equity or at least $1,000,000 of equity investment, they will actively and continuously manage the business from within the province, and the terms of the investment include no redemption option. These conditions explain why entrepreneur streams talk about active management and equity.

Section 87(4) shows as repealed in the version current to 21 September 2026, with the repeal made by SOR/2026-63. Section numbering and wording change by regulation, so read the current text on the Justice Laws site.

After a nomination: the part that differs by province

What happens after a nomination is set partly by IRCC and partly by the province, and the provincial instructions are specific.

British Columbia's page for nominees says the nominee must submit the permanent residence application to IRCC before the expiry date on the Confirmation of Nomination, must apply for a work permit with IRCC within three months of the nomination date (the page says the BC PNP cannot apply on a nominee's behalf), and may request a Work Permit Support Letter if a work permit has expired or is about to. The page was updated 10 September 2025.

Saskatchewan's page on how to apply says that, if approved, the applicant receives a nomination package and "The applicant will have to apply to IRCC within six months of nomination."

Alberta says on its processing page that it will publish the number of nominations issued under additional federal spaces as they are confirmed with IRCC, for both Express Entry and non-Express Entry pathways.

Three provinces, three different time limits and documents. This is why general advice about "the next step after nomination" is unsafe: the deadline is the one printed on your own certificate or in your own province's instructions.

The federal permanent residence fees are on IRCC's fee list; see Canada PR fees 2026. Provincial fees are separate and set by each province. BC publishes an application fee of $1,750 for its worker streams, for example (page updated 28 May 2026), and Alberta's updates page lists a $135 worker expression of interest fee (from 7 April 2026). Those are examples of provincial fees, not a general rule.

IRCC's page notes that processing times can rise when more people apply than the Immigration Levels Plan allows for. Use IRCC's processing times tool for a current figure.

Provinces beyond the three in this series

This series has pages on several provincial programs, and the structure varies: - Ontario's OINP, covered in the Workforce Priority Stream guide. - Nova Scotia, covered in the Nova Scotia fees guide. - Manitoba, covered in the Manitoba overview. - British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan are covered in the BC PNP overview, Alberta streams and SINP overview.

The Atlantic provinces also have a separate federal channel. Section 87.3 of the Regulations defines the Atlantic immigration class, which works through an endorsement certificate issued by an Atlantic province under an Atlantic immigration agreement, and requires a job offer meeting set conditions. It is a different legal class from the provincial nominee class: the certificate is called an endorsement, not a nomination. It is covered in Atlantic Immigration Program.

The practical point is that a province's name for a stream tells you little. BC's "Skilled Worker" stream, Alberta's "Alberta Opportunity Stream" and Saskatchewan's "Employment Offer" sub-category all involve a job offer, but each has different employer, wage and experience rules. Read each province's own page, and read its date.

Common misunderstandings

"A nomination means I have PR." It does not. IRCC's page describes the nomination as the step that precedes the permanent residence application. The Regulations make a nomination certificate one of the conditions of class membership, not the grant.

"The 600 points guarantee an invitation." IRCC says the points help you get invited. It does not say they ensure it. Invitations are issued by IRCC in rounds; see Express Entry category-based draws.

"Every province works the same way." The streams, the points systems, the fees, the post-nomination time limits and whether the candidate needs a job offer all differ. A few provinces, like Saskatchewan, say on their pages that the province makes the final choice on nominations.

"A consultant can get me a nomination quota." Saskatchewan's page says: "However, no immigration consultant is given an immigrant quota from the Province of Saskatchewan." Nobody who claims otherwise is describing how the programs work. See unlicensed consultant warning signs.

"Streams stay open." Provincial intake changes often. Alberta's updates page, for example, records changes through 2026, and Saskatchewan's FAQ describes capped-sector intake windows. Always check the province's page for its status on the day you apply.

"I can use any consultant." Only a lawyer or a licensed immigration consultant may advise for a fee under section 91 of the Act. Using a representative is optional, and the licence can be checked on the register.

Find a regulated adviser

If you want a licensed immigration consultant or a lawyer to look at which provincial streams and which application path fit your own situation, use the Migratio directory to find a regulated adviser, and check their licence on the official register before you sign anything. Migratio is a directory and booking platform. It does not give immigration advice, does not choose a program for anyone and has no connection to IRCC or any province.

Questions people ask

What is the Provincial Nominee Program in Canada?

IRCC describes it as a program under which provinces and territories nominate people with the skills, education or work experience to help their economies, who want to live there and become permanent residents. Each sets its own requirements and nomination numbers.

How many points does a provincial nomination give in Express Entry?

IRCC says that if you are nominated and create an Express Entry profile, you get 600 extra points, which helps you get invited to apply for permanent residence. IRCC does not say it guarantees an invitation.

Which provinces do not have a PNP?

IRCC says Quebec and Nunavut do not have provincial nominee programs. Quebec selects its own economic immigrants through a separate system.

What is the difference between Express Entry and non-Express Entry PNP?

IRCC describes the Express Entry path for people who qualify for both a provincial stream and a federal Express Entry program, and the non-Express Entry path for people who qualify for a provincial stream but not a federal program. The province tells you which process to use.

Who decides a provincial nomination?

The Regulations give the nominating province sole responsibility to evaluate the person's ability to become economically established and intention to reside in the province, under criteria approved by the Minister. IRCC then processes the permanent residence application.

Sources

Last checked 2026-10-10.

Related guides

  • Express Entry explained: how the system and its three programs work — Express Entry is an online system IRCC uses to manage applications for permanent residence under three programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. You create a profile, candidates with the highest scores are invited in rounds, invited candidates apply, and an officer decides. This page explains the mechanics. It cannot tell you whether you are eligible.
  • CRS score explained: where Express Entry points come from — The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores Express Entry profiles out of 1,200: core factors up to 500 (460 with a spouse), spouse factors up to 40, skill transferability up to 100 and additional points up to 600. A provincial nomination is worth 600. Job offers have not earned CRS points since 25 March 2025. This page explains the scoring. It cannot say whether a score will lead to an invitation.
  • Category-based Express Entry draws: the ten categories explained — IRCC's category-based selection page, dated 22 June 2026, lists ten current categories: French-language proficiency, healthcare and social services, STEM, trades, education, transport, physicians, senior managers and researchers with Canadian work experience, and skilled military recruits. A category is a way of being invited, not a program. A candidate still has to be eligible for FSW, CEC or FST.
  • BC Provincial Nominee Program: how the streams, fees and invitations work — The BC PNP has two main branches on WelcomeBC: Skills Immigration for workers (the Skilled Worker and Health Authority streams) and Entrepreneur Immigration (Base, Regional and Strategic Projects). Workers register and may be invited to apply; the worker application fee on the page read was $1,750. Streams change, so check WelcomeBC on the day you apply.
  • Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP): the streams and how selection works — The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program lists four worker streams (Tourism and Hospitality, Alberta Opportunity, Alberta Express Entry and Rural Renewal) and four entrepreneur streams. Alberta says its draws are not regularly scheduled, that score is not the only selection factor, and that it does not disclose recent draw parameters. Check Alberta's updates page before applying.
  • Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP): categories, points grid and 2026 limits — The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program lists four categories: International Skilled Worker, Worker with Saskatchewan Work Experience, Entrepreneur, and Farm Owner and Operator. Some sub-categories use a 110-point grid with a 60-point minimum. Saskatchewan says it makes the final choice on nominations, and its FAQ describes 2026 sector caps and intake windows. Check saskatchewan.ca before applying.
  • OINP 2026: How the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream Works — Ontario's OINP page (updated 14 July 2026) says the new Workforce Priority stream has launched and all other streams are closed. The stream page (updated 6 October 2026) describes a process in which an employer submits a job offer, the worker registers an expression of interest within 30 days, and invited applicants must file within 17 days.
  • Nova Scotia Nominee Program Fees From 1 September 2026 — Nova Scotia charges an NSNP application fee from 1 September 2026: $1,000 for the worker streams and $2,000 for the entrepreneur stream, per principal applicant. There is no fee to submit an expression of interest. The fee is due after selection, and the province says it is non-refundable except where required by law or when an administrative error has occurred.
  • Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program: the three streams and how the EOI pool works — The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) runs three streams: Skilled Worker, International Education and Business Investor. For the first two you create an Expression of Interest, the highest-ranked profiles are invited to apply, and a nomination is followed by a separate federal application. This page explains the rules as Manitoba published them on 10 October 2026. They change, so check the MPNP site before you act. It cannot tell you whether you are eligible.
  • Atlantic Immigration Program: how designated employers, endorsement and the PR application fit together — The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) offers permanent residence to skilled workers and international graduates who have a job offer from an employer designated by New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador. A provincial endorsement comes before the federal PR application. This guide explains the rules IRCC published, as read on 10 October 2026. Check the IRCC pages before you apply, and note that it cannot tell you whether you qualify.
  • Canada PR Fees 2026: Application Fee and the $600 RPRF — On the IRCC fee list (date modified 21 September 2026), an economic permanent residence application, including Express Entry, is $1,590 with the right of permanent residence fee (RPRF) and $990 without it. A spouse or partner included on the application is the same again, and each dependent child is $270. IRCC says it refunds the RPRF if you withdraw or it refuses the application.
  • Unlicensed Immigration Consultants: How to Check Before You Pay — Only RCICs and RISIAs licensed by the College, lawyers and paralegals in good standing with a law society, and Quebec notaries may charge for Canadian immigration advice. IRCC says it won't deal with unauthorized paid representatives and may return or refuse an application that uses one.