Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Provinces nominate the workers they need - an aligned nomination adds 600 CRS points.
Official Canada pageWho this route is for
Skilled workers, graduates, semi-skilled workers and some entrepreneurs willing to settle in a specific province or territory (every province except Quebec, which runs its own system).
Eligibility requirements
- Be nominated by a province/territory under one of its streams (each sets its own occupation lists, score grids and rules)
- Enhanced (Express Entry-aligned) streams require a valid Express Entry profile; the nomination then adds 600 CRS points, making an invitation near-certain
- Base (non-Express Entry) streams: apply to the province first, then to IRCC - typically slower processing
- Many streams require a job offer, relevant work experience, language (often CLB 4-7 depending on stream) and a genuine connection to the province
- As of 30 Mar 2026 provinces themselves decide whether a nominee intends to and can settle/establish in the province
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
The 2026 allocation jumped after deep 2025 cuts. Provincial fees are charged separately and vary widely by province (from $0 to over $1,500).
Check your points first
Use the free Express Entry CRS Calculator to see if you're likely to qualify before you start.
Other Canada routes
Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry)
PermanentClassic points route to PR for skilled professionals with foreign work experience.
Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry)
PermanentThe fastest in-Canada route - turns skilled Canadian experience into PR.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (Express Entry)
PermanentPR for experienced tradespeople - no education or selection-grid pass mark needed.
Express Entry Category-Based Draws
PermanentTargeted invitations that let lower-CRS candidates get picked for in-demand work.