Foreigners all over the world look forward to immigrating to Canada and settling there with a permanent residency. One of the ways to apply for Canada PR is through a provincial nominee program. The provincial nominee program (PNP) is for workers who have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory. Further, they need to be willing to live in that province or territory and want to become permanent residents of Canada.

Provinces and territories (PTs) can nominate individuals through the non-Express Entry process or Express Entry. Nominations made through the non-Express Entry process are called “base nominations” and nominations made through Express Entry are called “enhanced nominations.”

A nomination is evidence that the province or territory has conducted an assessment of the candidate and found that, in the view of the provincial officials, the candidate has met the requirements of the province or territory’s PNP, intends to reside in the nominating province or territory, and has a strong likelihood of becoming economically established in Canada.

Each province and territory has its own ‘program streams’ – immigration programs that target certain groups – and requirements. For example, in a program stream, provinces and territories may target students, business people, skilled workers or semi-skilled workers.

Understand the application options

How you apply depends on which stream you’re applying to. You can apply using one of the following streams. The application process will vary based on the stream you choose – the Express Entry process and the Non-Express Entry process.

Express Entry process

Check application processing times

Step 1. Check your eligibility

Make sure you qualify for the PNP of the province or territory where you want to live and for 1 of the 3 programs managed through Express Entry. The 3 immigration programs managed under Express Entry process are – Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program and Canadian Experience Class.

Step 2. Get a nomination

Contact the province or territory and apply for a nomination. Alternatively, create an Express Entry profile and select the provinces and territories you are interested in. If a province or territory sends a “notification of interest” to your account, contact them and apply for a nomination.

Step 3. If you get a nomination, update your Express Entry profile

Update (or create) your Express Entry profile and show your nomination.

Step 4. Apply for permanent residence if you are invited

Wait to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence and, if you get one, apply online.

Non-Express Entry process

Step 1. Check your eligibility

Make sure you qualify for the PNP of the province or territory where you want to live.

Step 2. Get a nomination

Contact the province or territory and apply for a nomination.

Step 3. Apply for permanent residence

If you are nominated, apply for permanent residence online.