provincial nominee programs (PNP)

Provincial Nominee Programs are immigration pathways designed by individual Canadian provinces and territories to attract skilled professionals and entrepreneurs who can contribute to their local economies. Each PNP is tailored to address the specific labor market and economic needs of the province or territory, allowing them to select candidates with the skills and experience most in demand in their region.

Applicants who receive a nomination from a province or territory can then apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

While there are numerous PNPs across Canada, we will focus on five major programs to provide you with a clear understanding of the opportunities available:

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP):

The OINP offers a variety of immigration pathways for skilled workers, international students, and entrepreneurs, including:

• Employer Job Offer Category: For foreign workers with a valid job offer from an Ontario employer in a skilled occupation.
• Human Capital Category: This category includes the Ontario Express Entry stream, targeting candidates in the federal Express Entry pool, and the International Students stream for graduates from eligible Ontario institutions.
• Business Category: For entrepreneurs looking to establish, invest in, or purchase a business in Ontario.

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP):

The BC PNP offers several immigration streams for skilled workers, international graduates, healthcare professionals, and entrepreneurs. Some popular categories include:

• Skills Immigration: For skilled and semi-skilled workers in high-demand occupations, as well as international graduates from eligible Canadian institutions.
• Express Entry BC: Aligned with the federal Express Entry system, this stream targets skilled workers and international graduates with profiles in the Express Entry pool.
• Entrepreneur Immigration: For experienced entrepreneurs who intend to establish, invest in, or acquire a business in British Columbia.

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP):

The AINP features multiple streams targeting skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs, such as:

• Alberta Opportunity Stream: For skilled workers and international graduates working in Alberta with a valid job offer from an Alberta employer.
• Alberta Express Entry Stream: This stream allows Alberta to nominate qualified candidates from the federal Express Entry pool who demonstrate strong ties to the province or have occupations in high demand.
• Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa Stream: Aimed at international graduates from top foreign institutions who wish to launch a start-up or innovative business in Alberta.

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP):

The SINP focuses on attracting skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs through various streams:

• International Skilled Worker Category: For skilled workers with work experience in an in-demand occupation in Saskatchewan.
• Saskatchewan Express Entry: This stream targets eligible candidates in the federal Express Entry pool with experience in Saskatchewan's high-demand occupations.
• Entrepreneur and Farm Category: Aimed at entrepreneurs planning to establish, invest in, or purchase a business or farm in Saskatchewan.

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP):

The MPNP offers immigration pathways for skilled workers, international graduates, and business investors, including:

• Skilled Worker in Manitoba: For foreign workers with a valid job offer from a Manitoba employer and a strong connection to the province.

Go back to Skilled Workers.