PR Pathways (PNP)

Overview

Provincial Nominee Programs let provinces and territories nominate candidates who meet their local needs. A provincial nomination through Express Entry adds 600 CRS points.

Who may qualify

• Meet a specific province's stream criteria
• Intend to live in the nominating province
• Meet federal admissibility requirements

The process

1. 1Choose a suitable province and stream
2. 2Apply for a provincial nomination
3. 3Apply for permanent residence
4. 4Medical and security checks
5. 5PR confirmation

Timeline: Varies by province and stream

What the Provincial Nominee Program is

Most provinces and territories run their own nominee programs to select immigrants who meet local labour-market needs. A province nominates you, then you apply to IRCC for permanent residence. Quebec runs a separate selection system and is not part of the PNP.

PNP streams fall into two groups. Enhanced streams are aligned with Express Entry: a nomination adds 600 CRS points to your profile, which almost always leads to an invitation. Base streams are outside Express Entry: you apply to IRCC on paper or through the online portal after nomination, and processing is usually longer.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

Because our offices are in Toronto and Hamilton, most of our PNP clients look at Ontario first. OINP streams have included employer job offer streams (for foreign workers, international students and in-demand skills), graduate streams for Ontario master's and PhD graduates, and Express Entry-aligned streams such as Human Capital Priorities, French-Speaking Skilled Worker and Skilled Trades. Ontario has announced changes to its stream structure, so we confirm current stream availability on Ontario.ca before advising.

Choosing the right province

Each province publishes different eligibility rules, occupation lists and draw patterns. Applying where you have genuine ties — a job offer, past study or work, or family — produces stronger applications. Provinces expect nominees to intend to live there; misrepresenting intent can lead to refusal.

• Job-offer streams: employer-supported, often open to candidates outside Express Entry
• Graduate streams: for recent graduates of the province's institutions
• Express Entry-aligned streams: the province searches the federal pool or invites registrants
• Occupation-targeted draws: healthcare, technology, trades and other in-demand jobs

The two-stage process

Stage one is the provincial application: register an expression of interest or apply directly, pay the provincial fee, and receive a nomination if approved. Stage two is the federal application to IRCC, where medical, security and criminality checks are completed. A nomination does not guarantee permanent residence; IRCC makes the final decision.

Government fees

Federal fees in effect since April 30, 2026. Provincial fees vary by stream; Ontario publishes OINP fees on Ontario.ca.

Processing times: Enhanced (Express Entry) nominations follow Express Entry processing; base nominations take longer. Check IRCC's processing-times tool.

Document checklist

• Valid passport and civil documents
• Job offer and employer documents (job-offer streams)
• Language test results where required
• Educational credentials and ECA where required
• Reference letters for work experience
• Proof of funds where the stream requires it
• Provincial nomination certificate (for the federal stage)
• Police certificates and medical exam results

Common refusal reasons

• Job offer or employer does not meet stream requirements
• Insufficient evidence of intent to live in the nominating province
• Work experience not matching the stream's eligible occupations
• Nomination expired before the federal application was filed
• Inconsistent information between provincial and federal applications

Frequently asked questions