Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) 2026: Province-by-Province Guide
Discover Canada’s 2026 Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) with our comprehensive guide. Learn eligibility, streams, and how to apply for permanent residence through each province’s PNP. Start your Canada immigration journey today! IRCC Official Guide
Overview of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) 2026
A pathway to Canadian permanent residence tailored to provincial needs
What is PNP?
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow provinces and territories to nominate candidates for permanent residence based on local economic and labor market needs. With over 80 streams across 11 provinces and territories (excluding Quebec and Nunavut), PNPs are a key route for Canada immigration. Enhanced streams aligned with Express Entry offer a 600-point CRS boost, ensuring faster processing.
Skilled Workers
Streams for professionals with in-demand skills.
- Job offer often required
- High language proficiency
- Express Entry alignment
Entrepreneurs
For those starting or buying businesses.
- Minimum investment
- Business experience
- Net worth criteria
International Graduates
For students graduating from Canadian institutions.
- No job offer needed
- Study in province
- Express Entry options
Province-by-Province PNP Guide for 2026
Detailed overview of PNP streams for each province and territory
| Province/Territory | Main Streams | Eligibility Highlights | Application Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta (AAIP) | Express Entry, Rural Renewal, Entrepreneur Streams | Job offer for some streams, in-demand occupations, minimum net worth for entrepreneurs ($250,000-$3M) | Apply via AAIP portal or Express Entry; fees apply from April 2025 |
| British Columbia (BC PNP) | Skills Immigration, Express Entry BC, Entrepreneur Immigration | Job offer, CLB 4-7, work experience; tech/healthcare prioritized | Apply via BCPNP Online; fees non-refundable post-assessment |
| Manitoba (MPNP) | Skilled Worker, International Education, Business Investor | Connection to Manitoba, CLB 5-7, job offer for some streams | Submit EOI via MPNP portal; ongoing renewal in 2025 |
| New Brunswick (NBPNP) | Express Entry, Skilled Worker, Entrepreneurial | Job offer or provincial ties, CLB 5-7; reopen Feb 2025 | Apply post-Feb 2025 via NBPNP portal |
| Newfoundland and Labrador (NLPNP) | Express Entry Skilled Worker, International Graduate | Job offer, CLB 5-7, work/study in NL | Apply via OASIS with Job Vacancy Assessment |
| Nova Scotia (NSNP) | Skilled Worker, Express Entry, Critical Construction | Job offer, CLB 4-7, paused for Accommodation/Food sector | Apply online; healthcare pilot active Aug 2025 |
| Ontario (OINP) | Human Capital, Employer Job Offer, Business | Job offer or PhD/Masters, CLB 5-7, high CRS for EE | Use OINP Stream Selector Tool; apply online |
| Prince Edward Island (PEI PNP) | Express Entry, Labour Impact, Business Impact | Job offer, CLB 4-7, business net worth $600,000+ | Submit EOI; apply via PEI portal |
| Saskatchewan (SINP) | International Skilled Worker, Entrepreneur, Farm | Job offer or in-demand occupation, CLB 4-7 | Apply via OASIS; fees for select streams |
| Yukon (YNP) | Skilled Worker, Critical Impact Worker, Business | Job offer, CLB 4-7, 2-year work permit eligibility | Apply via Yukon portal; employer-driven |
| Northwest Territories (NTNP) | Employer Driven, Business, Express Entry | Job offer, CLB 5-7, business investment $300,000+ | Apply via NT portal; EE aligned |
Key Notes
- Quebec operates its own economic immigration system, not a PNP.
- Nunavut does not have a PNP.
- Express Entry-aligned streams award 600 CRS points, guaranteeing an ITA.
- Base PNPs require paper-based applications, taking up to 18 months.
PNP Application Process
Step-by-step guide to applying for a PNP nomination
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Verify you meet the province’s PNP criteria (e.g., job offer, language proficiency). Use tools like OINP’s Stream Selector.
Step 2: Submit EOI or Application
Apply directly to the province or via Express Entry for enhanced streams.
Step 3: Receive Nomination
If approved, receive a nomination certificate; update Express Entry profile for 600 CRS points.
Step 4: Apply for Permanent Residence
Submit PR application to IRCC via Express Entry (6 months) or paper-based (18 months).
Common Application Mistakes
- Incomplete documentation (e.g., missing ECA or language test results)
- Incorrect NOC code selection (use NOC 2021, e.g., 93888 for EE)
- Applying to wrong stream
- Tip: Consult a RCIC to avoid errors.
Frequently Asked Questions (20)
Answers to common PNP-related questions for 2026
A PNP allows provinces to nominate candidates for permanent residence based on local needs.
All except Quebec and Nunavut: Alberta, BC, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, PEI, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Northwest Territories.
Streams linked to Express Entry, awarding 600 CRS points for faster PR processing.
Express Entry PNPs: ~6 months; base PNPs: ~18 months.
Some streams require a job offer; others, like international graduate streams, don’t.
PR application: $1,525 CAD; provincial fees vary (e.g., BC PNP fees non-refundable post-assessment).
Yes, through international graduate streams in provinces like Ontario or Manitoba.
Varies by province; tech, healthcare, and construction are common. Check provincial websites.
Typically CLB 4-7, depending on the stream and province.
Yes, but you must demonstrate intent to reside in the nominating province.
Update your Express Entry profile or submit a PR application to IRCC.
No, provinces select based on criteria; IRCC makes the final PR decision.
Expression of Interest, a preliminary application for some PNPs like SINP or OINP.
Some provinces allow reviews; contact the PNP office (e.g., BC PNP at PNPInfo@gov.bc.ca).
Yes, most provinces require a detailed business plan and minimum investment.
600 points for Express Entry-aligned nominations.
Yes, if eligible for a work permit (e.g., Yukon’s 2-year open work permit).
Passport, ECA, language test, job offer (if required), and financial proof.
Match your skills, experience, and goals to provincial needs; visit IRCC PNP Finder.
Yes, successful nominees apply for PR through IRCC, with high approval rates.
🎯 Expert Immigration Consultation
Need help navigating PNPs or applying for permanent residence? Contact a licensed immigration consultant for personalized guidance on your Canada immigration journey.
* Visit the IRCC website for official PNP information and resources
