The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) enables Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to live and work in a particular region. Each province is allotted an annual nomination quota by the Federal Government and selects candidates through both Base Streams (non-Express Entry) and Enhanced Streams (linked to Express Entry).
Candidates who receive a nomination through an Enhanced Stream are awarded an additional 600 points under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), significantly increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Participating Provinces, Territories & Key Immigration Programs
New Brunswick – New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
Newfoundland and Labrador – Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
Nova Scotia – Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
Prince Edward Island – Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
Saskatchewan – Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
Northwest Territories – Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
Yukon – Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
PNP Quotas: Base vs. Enhanced Streams
Each year, the Federal Government allocates a nomination quota to every province, defining the number of candidates they are permitted to nominate under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Provinces distribute these nominations across two primary streams:
Base Stream:
Designed for candidates who are not part of the Express Entry pool. Applications under this stream are processed directly by the province. Once nominated, candidates apply for permanent residence through a non–Express Entry pathway.
Enhanced Stream:
This stream is linked to the Federal Express Entry system. Candidates who receive a provincial nomination through an Enhanced stream are awarded an additional 600 CRS points, greatly increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Although quotas vary from year to year, most provinces operate both Base and Enhanced streams.
Provincial Streams: Designed for Your Profile
Each province has established specific immigration streams to address local labor market needs. These streams are tailored for different groups, including:
Points-Based Expression of Interest (EOI) System
Most Canadian provinces use a points-based Expression of Interest (EOI) system to rank applicants according to several factors, including:
Provinces may also award extra points for candidates who have:
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