Every Canadian province and territory (except Quebec, which runs its own system) has a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to your Express Entry score — effectively guaranteeing an ITA — or gives you a direct path to PR outside the federal pool.
How PNPs work
There are two main pathways:
- Enhanced PNP (Express Entry-linked): You create an Express Entry profile. The province "enhances" your application — giving you +600 CRS points so you receive an ITA at the next draw. Fastest route.
- Base PNP (non-Express Entry): A separate provincial application process, not linked to Express Entry. Takes longer but is an option if you don't meet EE entry requirements.
Many provinces also have employer-driven streams where your job offer is the primary requirement.
Province-by-Province Overview
See the individual province pages below for streams, requirements, and links.
| Province | Program | Key streams | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | OINP | Workforce Priority (new 2026) | Major redesign effective Jun 26 2026 |
| British Columbia | BC PNP | Tech, Health, Trades | Strong for tech workers |
| Alberta | AINP | Alberta Opportunity, Accelerating in Alberta | Linked to AB job market |
| Saskatchewan | SINP | International Skilled Worker, IEC, EE | Strong for agriculture |
| Manitoba | MPNP | Skilled Worker, Business, International Education | Family connection stream |
| Nova Scotia | NSNP | Demand: Express Entry, Labour Market Priorities | + AIP |
| New Brunswick | NBPNP | Skilled Worker, Critical Worker, EE | + AIP |
| PEI | PEIPNP | Express Entry, Labour Impact, Business | + AIP |
| Newfoundland | NLPNP | Skilled Worker, International Graduate, EE | + AIP |
| Quebec | QSWP / CAQ | Skilled Worker, Business, PEQ | Separate federal/provincial process |
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program covers Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland jointly. It allows designated employers in Atlantic Canada to hire international workers for hard-to-fill positions, with a direct path to PR.
See Atlantic Immigration Program for details.
Which PNP is right for me?
Use the Eligibility Wizard to get a personalized recommendation based on your situation — or ask the PNP community board for real-world experiences.
✓ Last verified: June 27, 2026 — PNP allocations, streams, and requirements change frequently. Always confirm on the official provincial website and IRCC. This is general information only.