Provincial Nominee Program (Becoming Canadian)

After a province or territory nominates you, you must apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for permanent residence. A CIC officer will assess your application based on Canadian rules.As part of the process, you will have to pass a medical exam and get a police check.

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) authorizes provinces and territories to nominate for permanent residence individuals who will meet specific local labour market needs. 


PNP applications receive priority processing from CIC. 

• Processing times: Most cases are finalized within 16 months. 

• Details regarding individual PNPs are available on provincial and territorial government immigration websites. 


Provinces and territories have various streams in their PNPs, but they tend to fall into five clusters: 

• skilled workers; 

• semi-skilled workers; 

• business/investors; 

• international student graduates; 

• and family/community connections. ​

Most PNPs include one or more employer-driven streams which allow workers to be nominated provided they meet provincial or territorial nomination requirements. These may include specific occupations, education, work experience, official language proficiency and age. 

Applicants must demonstrate an ability to establish themselves economically in the nominating province. CIC is responsible for ensuring that nominees meet extensive health, criminality and security checks. 



Provincial Nominee Program