How to Get Canadian Permanent Residency Through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

If you're aiming to become a permanent resident of Canada but don’t have a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score or don’t qualify under Express Entry’s category-based draws, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) might be your best pathway.

With over 236,000 profiles in the Express Entry pool and CRS cut-offs ranging between 521–542 in 2025, competition is tough. That’s where the PNP can help, offering a more tailored route to PR based on provincial needs.

What Is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

The PNP allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on local labour market demands. If a province selects you, you’ll receive a nomination, and then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.

There are two main steps:

1. Get nominated by a province or territory.
2. Apply for permanent residency through IRCC.

To be nominated, you must meet the specific requirements of the PNP stream and show a genuine intent to live in that province or territory.

How to Get a Provincial Nomination

There are over 80 PNP streams across Canada. To determine which one suits you, you can:

• Research the requirements of each province, or
• Consult an immigration professional for guidance.

Every PNP requires you to prove your intention to reside in the province nominating you.

Consideration Types for Nomination

Each province has its own selection process. Here's a breakdown of how you could be considered:

Base vs. Enhanced PNP Streams

Enhanced Streams

• Linked to Express Entry
• Require you to have a valid Express Entry profile
• Must meet criteria for one of the following:
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Require language test results and Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs)
• Offer faster PR processing (around 6 months)

You’ll also get 600 extra CRS points if nominated under an enhanced stream—almost guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the next draw.

Base Streams

• Independent of Express Entry
• Don’t require a profile or CRS score
• Often used by candidates with lower-skilled occupations (TEER 4 or 5)
• Longer PR processing time (around 21 months)

Eligibility Criteria for PNP Streams

Common factors considered:

• Age
• Education
• Language skills
• Job offer
• Work experience

Enhanced streams have more requirements, while base streams are typically more flexible.

Understanding Active vs. Passive Consideration

Active Consideration

You take initiative by submitting:

• A full application, or
• An Expression of Interest (EOI)

Enhanced active streams require an Express Entry profile and job seeker validation code.

Passive Consideration

Some provinces automatically review Express Entry profiles. If you’ve selected a province in your profile and meet their needs, they may send a Notification of Interest (NOI). You can then submit a full nomination application.

What Happens After You Get Nominated?

If Nominated Through a Base Stream

• Apply for PR through IRCC’s Permanent Residence Portal
• Processing time: approx. 21 months

If Nominated Through an Enhanced Stream

• Update your Express Entry profile with the nomination
• Accept the nomination within 30 days
• Get 600 CRS points and wait for your ITA
• After receiving your ITA, submit your PR application
• Processing time: approx. 6 months

How Much Does It Cost to Immigrate Through the PNP?

1. Provincial Application Fees

EOI submissions are usually free—you only pay once invited to apply.

2. Federal Fees (IRCC)

3. Third-Party Fees

PNP Landscape in 2025: What’s Changed?

In 2025, getting a nomination has become more competitive. The federal government cut provincial nomination allocations by half, reducing targets from 110,000 to 55,000.

As a result, many provinces:

• Delayed reopening streams
• Banned certain occupations
• Closed international graduate options
• Tightened eligibility

Despite these changes, the PNP remains one of the most reliable ways to become a Canadian permanent resident, especially for applicants who struggle to qualify through Express Entry.