How to Get Provincial Nomination in Canada?

A provincial nomination in Canada means you can apply for permanent residency through either Express Entry way or non-Express Entry way. To apply for Canada PR through the Express Entry as a provincial nominee, you need to get a nomination first. This nomination may be obtained by qualifying for any one stream of any Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and applying for it. Once applied, the provincial or territorial government will decide whether or not your application should be approved. 

If you are nominated, you can apply to gain permanent residence. 

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Steps to Get Provincial Nomination in Canada

There are two ways by which you can get a provincial nomination:

• Through Express Entry
• Through Non-Express Entry

Follow these steps to apply for a provincial nomination for Express Entry. 

1. Create an Express Entry profile
2. Decide which Canadian province or territory you want to settle in and add them in your profile to show that you are interested in settling there
3. If they find your profile potential enough, they will issue you a “notification of interest”
4. Apply to their PNP
5. The provincial or territorial government will assess your application
6. If they find you eligible, they may issue you a provincial nomination 
7. After receiving a provincial nomination, you will get additional 600 CRS points. These additional points will almost guarantee you an invitation to apply (ITA) in an Express Entry draw. 
8. Once you receive an ITA, apply for Canada PR through the Express Entry program

Follow these steps to apply for a provincial nomination through a non-Express Entry stream.

1. Choose the province or territory you are interested in and intend to live there
2. Make sure you qualify for one of that province or territory’s stream
3. Contact the province or territory and apply for one of their stream (you must qualify for it)
4. Once your application is approved, you will become a provincial nominee
5. Apply to IRCC for permanent residency in Canada with your provincial nomination 

Canada Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) List

The Canadian provinces and territories that offer a provincial nomination in Canada are:

1. Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
2. British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
3. Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
4. Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
5. Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
6. New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
7. Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
8. Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
9. Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
10. Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
11. Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)

How long is Provincial Nomination valid?

A provincial or territorial nomination is valid for 6 months or 180 days once it is issued. During this time, you have to wait to receive an ITA in an Express Entry draw so you can apply for Canadian permanent residency. 

In case you don’t get an invitation within this time limit, your provincial nomination will be destroyed and you will have to start the process again. 

Similarly, you have to apply for Canadian PR through a non-Express Entry stream within 6 months or else the provincial nomination will be removed from your account. 

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