For many foreign nationals aiming for Canadian permanent residency (PR), the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) may be the most viable path forward. Today we will walk you through certain ways to gain Canadian PR via Provincial Nominee Program. So, without further ado, let us begin!
With around 236,000 profiles presently in the federal Express Entry pool as well as Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off scores for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws ranging between 521 and 542 in 2025, it’s quite clear that the competition is tough.
If your CRS score isn’t high enough or you don’t qualify for targeted Express Entry draws, the PNP could be your strongest opportunity to secure Canadian PR through an economic immigration stream.
How Does The PNP Lead To Canadian PR?
Before knowing the ways to gain Canadian PR via Provincial Nominee Program, it is vital to note that this process involves two key steps:
- Obtain a provincial or territorial nomination.
- Apply for permanent residency with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
To be nominated by a province/ territory, you have to meet the specific requirements of a PNP stream and show a genuine intention to live in that province or territory.
How To Begin The Process For A Provincial Nomination?
To pursue a nomination, you’ll need to meet the eligibility criteria of one of the many PNP streams and follow that stream’s process carefully.
Finding The Apt PNP Stream For You
There are around 80 different PNP streams across Canada. Figuring out which ones you qualify for requires either thorough independent research or guidance from a knowledgeable immigration professional.
Irrespective of the stream, one thing remains constant: you must show that you plan to live in the province or territory you’re applying to.
Once you’ve identified a stream you’re eligible for, your next step is to understand how to be considered for nomination through that program.
How Provincial Nomination Consideration Works?
Each province has its own process for reviewing candidates. Generally, these processes fall into one of the following categories:
| Consideration Process | Definition |
| Base PNP – Direct Application | You apply directly to the province’s PNP with a full application. If accepted, you receive a nomination. |
| Base PNP – Expression of Interest (EOI) Pool | You submit an expression of interest through the province’s system. If selected, you receive an invitation to submit a complete application. |
| Enhanced PNP – Passive | You must have an active Express Entry profile. If you’ve indicated interest in a particular province, they may consider you automatically and send a notification of interest through Express Entry. |
| Enhanced PNP – Active – Direct Application | With a valid Express Entry profile, you apply directly to the province. If successful, you’re nominated. |
| Enhanced PNP – Active – EOI Pool | You submit an expression of interest through the province’s portal. If selected, you receive an invitation to apply for nomination. |
This table provides a simplified overview. Always consult the specific program and application guides for detailed and up-to-date instructions.
An Important Thing To Reminder
Even if you meet all the eligibility criteria, a nomination is not guaranteed. Provinces and territories retain full discretion in issuing nominations, and each application is evaluated carefully by their officers.
Base vs. Enhanced PNP Streams
Another one of the ways to gain Canadian PR via Provincial Nominee Program is to know about base and enhanced PNP streams.
When applying through Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), it’s important to understand the two types of streams: Base and Enhanced. The difference affects not just your eligibility, but also how you apply and what happens after you receive a nomination.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Criteria | Enhanced Streams | Base Streams |
| Linked to Express Entry | Yes | No |
| Requires Express Entry Profile | Yes | No |
| Faster PR Processing | Yes (approx. 6 months) | No (approx. 12 months) |
| NOC TEER Level | Must be TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 | TEER 4 or 5 may be eligible, depending on the stream |
| Federal Program Eligibility | Required (CEC, FSWP, FSTP) | Not required |
| Settlement Funds | Required unless exempt | May not be required |
1. Eligibility
Eligibility criteria differ depending on whether you’re applying to a Base or Enhanced stream.
Common Criteria (Both Streams)
Most PNP streams—base or enhanced—assess eligibility based on factors like:
- Age
- Education
- Job offer
- Language proficiency
- Work experience
Enhanced Streams (Express Entry-linked)
To qualify, you must:
- Have an active Express Entry profile.
- Meet the requirements of one of the federal Express Entry programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Have a skilled occupation in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- Provide:
- Valid language test results
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your education is from outside Canada
- Meet settlement fund requirements unless you qualify for an exemption (e.g., CEC or arranged employment).
Base Streams
You do not need:
- An Express Entry profile
- To qualify for a federal immigration program
- A TEER 0–3 occupation (depends on the stream)
- Language test or ECA at the consideration stage (usually required later)
2. Consideration Process
How you get considered for nomination depends on the type of stream and the province’s process.
Base Streams
Always active consideration:
- You must take a step—submit an application or expression of interest (EOI) in order to be considered.
Enhanced Streams
Can be active or passive consideration:
- Active: You submit an application or EOI (same as base streams).
- Passive: The province searches the Express Entry pool and issues a Notification of Interest (NOI) if you match their needs.
Two Ways Active Consideration Happens:
- Direct Application:
You apply directly to the PNP with all required documents. Usually, this method requires a job offer. - Expression of Interest (EOI):
You submit an EOI to the province’s system, often with fewer documents upfront. If selected, you’ll be invited to submit a full application for nomination.
Note: For enhanced streams, you must have a valid Express Entry profile to be considered—whether the process is active or passive.
3. Post-Nomination Path to PR
- Enhanced streams: After nomination, you’ll receive 600 additional CRS points in Express Entry, almost guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Once you submit your PR application, processing typically takes around 6 months.
- Base streams: You apply for PR directly to IRCC outside the Express Entry system. Processing usually takes about 12 months, and there are no extra CRS points involved.
Post-Nomination: What Happens After A PNP Nomination?
Once you’ve received a provincial nomination through Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the steps to obtain permanent residency (PR) depend on whether your nomination came through a base or enhanced stream.
Base Streams
If you’ve been nominated through a base stream, you’ll receive a provincial nomination certificate. This certificate allows you to apply directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.
You’ll typically be required to submit your PR application through the Permanent Residence Portal, unless you have special circumstances that require accommodation.
Current processing time
Applications submitted through base PNP streams (non-Express Entry) are taking approximately 21 months to process.
Enhanced Streams
If your nomination came through an Express Entry-aligned (enhanced) stream, the process involves your Express Entry profile.
Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Update or create your Express Entry profile.
- Indicate that you’ve obtained a provincial nomination.
- Contact the nominating province or territory directly, and provide:
- Your Express Entry profile number
- Your Job Seeker Validation Code
The province will then confirm your nomination electronically. You’ll have 30 calendar days to accept it.
Once accepted, you’ll receive 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, dramatically increasing your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR in the next Express Entry draw.
After getting an ITA, you can submit a complete PR application through the Express Entry system.
Average processing time:
Express Entry PR applications take around 6 months to process.
Costs of Immigrating Through the PNP
The total cost of immigrating via the PNP varies based on the stream and services required. Here’s a breakdown of the typical fees involved:
1. Provincial Application Fees
This is a one-time fee charged by most provinces when you submit your full nomination application. Fees vary depending on the stream:
| Stream Type | Fee Range |
| Worker & International Graduate | $0 to $2,500 |
| Entrepreneur | $0 to $10,000 |
Note: If the program uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) system, the fee is paid only when you’re invited to apply—not at the EOI submission stage.
2. Federal Immigration Fees
These are fees paid directly to IRCC:
| Fee Type | Amount |
| Application processing | $950 |
| Right of permanent residence | $575 |
| Biometrics (per person) | $85 |
| Spouse/partner (processing + PR fee) | $1,525 |
| Dependent child (each) | $260 |
3. Third-Party Fees
Additional services may be needed to support your application:
| Service | Typical Cost |
| Language testing | $300 to $400 |
| Educational Credential Assessment | $210 to $260 |
| Medical exam | $100 to $320 |
| Document translation (per page) | $20 to $60 |
| Police certificates | Varies by country |
| Immigration consultants/lawyers | Varies widely |
Fewer PNP Spots in 2025: Increased Competition
Immigration through the PNP may become more competitive in 2025, following a significant cut in the federal government’s targets.
- In October 2024, the government cut the PNP landings target from 110,000 (2024) to 55,000 (2025).
- By January 2025, nomination allocations for provinces—and Atlantic Immigration Program spots—were also halved.
This has prompted many provinces to:
- Delay reopening their PNP streams
- Restrict or ban applications for certain NOC codes
- Suspend or tighten eligibility for international graduates
- Limit nominations to priority occupations or sectors
Conclusion
Despite stricter criteria and reduced spots, the PNP remains a valuable pathway to permanent residence for candidates who may not qualify under category-based Express Entry draws or don’t have a competitive CRS score.
If you meet the eligibility criteria of a province and align with its labour market needs, the PNP can still be your gateway to a successful life in Canada.
Immigtoronto, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
