What is the Canadian Immigration PNP?

By now you’ve probably heard a lot about Canada’s Express Entry and how it can get you to Canada in as little 6 months. But about the PNP?

Although the Express Entry system is one of Canada’s most popular ways to immigrate to Canada it is not always the best option for all skilled workers. Eligibility for the Express Entry system is based on points regarding your personal information, educational qualifications and work experience. It has a CRS (Comprehensive cut off score) which changes every 2 weeks based on the level of applicants who have been selected from each draw. This means that even though you may qualify to apply for permanent residency through one of the 3 federal immigration programs managed by the Express Entry system, it does not guarantee that you will be selected to receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply).

The PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) is a great opportunity for you if you don’t meet the requirements of the Express Entry System however are a qualified and skilled worker with years of work experience to match. One of the criteria of the PNP is that you may need a Canadian job offer from a designated employer in your province or territory of interest.

With over 341,000 spots to fill in 2020, the Canadian government has implemented systems and immigration initiative to address the current labour gap in the Canadian job market.

Want to find out if this immigration strategy is for you and how to apply through the PNP? Simply click the link below to speak to one of our government trusted and qualified consultants or keep reading to find out just how we can help you change your life through the Canadian immigration system.

How Does the PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) Work?



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1. Is PNP a Good Option for Me?

The PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) is aimed at helping students, business people, as well as skilled and semi-skilled workers, immigrate through the Canadian immigration system

It is a great option if you want to live and work in Canada but does not qualify for the Express Entry, as you will be able to apply through Express Entry linked streams, especially if you have a low CRS score.

Why is a provincial nomination so desirable for those wanting to immigrate to Canada? Because it is worth a whopping 600 extra CRS points! This virtually guarantees the best possible chance of getting permanent residence in Canada.



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2. Which Provinces Have PNPs?

11 of Canada’s provinces and territories have its own PNP program, with different streams and categories to match its specific labour needs. For example, the Nova Scotia PNP has a stream dedicated specifically for nurses as there is a great shortage of qualified registered nurses. Similarly, both Ontario and British Columbia both have IT targeted Express Entry draws where the province will select suitable applicants from the draw pool to invite to apply for a provincial nomination.

Below is a list of the participating provinces:

  • Alberta;
  • British Columbia;
  • Manitoba;
  • New Brunswick;
  • Newfoundland and Labrador;
  • Northwest Territories;
  • Nova Scotia;
  • Ontario;
  • Prince Edward Island;
  • Saskatchewan; and
  • Yukon.


african american woman applying to immigrate to Canada online through PNP

3. How Do I Apply for PNP?

There are 2 ways that you can apply for permanent residence through the PNP:

  1. Paper-based Process; or
  2. The Express Entry Process.

The Paper-Based Process

The Paper-based Process means that you will have to apply directly to the province or territory for a nomination under a non-Express Entry stream. You will need to meet the specific eligibility requirements for that specific province or territory and once nominated, will have to send you paper application for permanent residence to the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada). You will also need a medical exam and police check which is a prerequisite for anyone who plans to immigrate to Canada.

It is important to note that this process is generally a lot longer than the Express Entry Route and could take anywhere from 15 to 19 months to process.

The Express Entry Route

There are 2 ways to apply through the Express Entry Process:

  1. Contact the province or territory directly and apply for a nomination through an Express Entry stream - if you are nominated you will then need to create an Express Entry profile or indicate that you’ve been nominated if you already have a profile; or
  2. Create an Express Entry profile and send an (EOI)Express of Interest) to your chosen province or territory - if successful you will receive an NOI (Notification of Interest) and will need to apply through the relevant Express Entry stream and ensure that you meet the necessary requirements for your chosen Canadian immigration program.

It is important to note applying online through the Express Entry process is not only much quicker, with an average processing time of as little as 6 months but is a lot easier as all submissions are electronic and there is less risk of documentation being lost in the post.



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4. What is the minimum CRS score required for the PNP?

Once again this depends on the CRS scores of those who have entered their profile into that particular draw pool. As of January 31, 2020, the Canadian immigration system saw the following CRS score distribution of candidates in the Express Entry Pool:


CRS Score Distribution in Express Entry Draw Pools(January 31, 2020)
CRS Score RangeNumber of Candidates
601 - 1,200439
451 - 45019,861
401 - 45041,655
401 - 45041,655
451 - 40049,178
301 - 35027,639
0 - 3503,719
Total142,491

This means that there is no minimum CRS score per se but a great part about applying through an Express Entry linked PNP stream or category is that you are always able to improve your CRS score, even after you have submitted your profile into the Express Entry draw pool.



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5. How Long Does it Take to Get PR After PNP?

This depends on whether or not you’re applying directly to the province via the paper process or online via the Express Entry Process. Provincial nominees who apply through the Express Entry system can expect processing times of little as 6 months. This however only applies to the federal part of the processing applications at the government visa office. It does not include the processing time of your PN, which varies from province to province. The paper-based application can take anywhere from 15 to 19 months.

It is also important to note that incomplete or incorrectly filled out applications, without the necessary supporting documentation, could mean having your application rejected or sent back for resubmission, which delays the entire process.

How We Help You Simplify the Process

Immigration to Canada can be both complex and confusing. By using our accredited Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) you will not only optimize your chances of success in the visa application process, but you will receive expert advice on which program is best for your personal needs. Our RCICs are registered with the ICCRC and are legally permitted to assist you by evaluating your eligibility, reviewing all documentation, and submitting it to the Canadian government on your behalf.

Don't risk your chances of living your Canadian dream. Let us make sure that all forms are completed correctly and sent in on time. Simply complete our online evaluation application form and we’ll take care of the rest. No stress. No hassle.