Canada Provincial Nominee Program - PNP

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) gives provinces and territories (PTs) an active role in immigrant selection as it authorizes them to nominate for permanent residence individuals who will meet specific local labor market needs.

PTs 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.

The roles and responsibilities for the PNP are defined through bilateral agreements between CIC and provincial governments. All the provinces and territories except Quebec and Nunavut have signed nominee agreements with the federal government. Quebec has a separate arrangement under the Canada-Quebec Accord.

Advantages to Employers

PNP applications receive priority processing from CIC. Most applications are finalized within 14 months, with an acceptance rate of 97%.

Other Information

PTs are responsible for due diligence in respect of their nomination decisions and for document verification. The verification process is manual. CIC makes the final selection decision and may refuse a case if the applicant fails to demonstrate the ability to establish economically in the nominating province. PTs are also prohibited from nominating an individual on the basis of a passive investment. CIC is responsible for ensuring that nominees meet extensive health, criminality and security checks.