Immigrate To Canada Through Provincial Nominee Programs
PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAM - 2025
Table of Contents
- What is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
- Updated Immigration Plan Targets (2025 to 2027) - 55,000 PNP Invitations
- Provincial Nominee Program Latest Draws Updates
- Canadian Provinces Draws Details - 2025
- Processing Time For Provincial Nominee Program
- Benefits of Applying Through a PNP Over Express Entry
- Conclusion
- F.A.Q.
What is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a popular immigration pathway for skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs who want to live and work in a specific Canadian province or territory. Each province runs its own PNP with unique criteria, targeting the local job market and economic needs.
Although Express Entry is one of the most recognized immigration pathways to Canada, many candidates opt for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) due to specific circumstances, such as:
- Not receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) because of a low Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
- Their occupation not being included in recent Express Entry draw categories.
- Having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer who is seeking skilled workers under a specific provincial stream.
The PNP provides an alternative and strategic route for skilled professionals who may not qualify under Express Entry but meet the specific labor needs of a Canadian province or territory.
To apply for PNP, you must first receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate.
Provincial Nominee Certificate - Most Essential Document For Provincial Nominee Program
A Provincial Nominee Certificate is an official nomination from a Canadian province or territory, confirming that they support your permanent residence application based on your skills. To get it, you must apply to a province’s PNP stream and meet their criteria. The process and eligibility to get this certificate vary by province, depending on local labor market needs. This certificate proves that the province has selected you for immigration based on your skills and experience.
How Do You Get a Provincial Nominee Certificate?
You can get it in two ways:
- Direct Application to the Province (Non-Express Entry): You apply to a province directly. If they select you, you submit a separate PR application to IRCC.
- Express Entry Linked PNP: If your profile matches a province’s requirement, you may get a Notification of Interest (NOI). You then apply to the province, and if nominated, you get a boost in your CRS score.
Updated Immigration Plan Targets (2025 to 2027) - 55,000 PNP Invitations
Canada’s latest Immigration Levels Plan for 2025 to 2027 places a strong focus on the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) as a key pathway for skilled immigrants. With a target of 55,000 provincial nominations per year, the government aims to help provinces and territories attract newcomers who meet specific local labor needs.
This strategic move not only supports regional economies but also opens more doors for candidates who may not qualify directly through Express Entry. Whether you’re a tradesperson, healthcare professional, or tech specialist, applying through a PNP stream aligned with your occupation can significantly improve your chances of permanent residency.
Provincial Nominee Program Latest Draws Updates:
Latest PNP Draw #354 (July 7, 2025)
Key Details:
- Number of ITAs Issued: 356
- Minimum CRS Score: 750
- Tie-breaking Rule: Profiles submitted before March 19, 2025 at 04:09:09 UTC were prioritized in cases of identical CRS scores.
The latest Express Entry PNP draw on July 7, 2025, saw the CRS cut-off increased from 742 to 750, with 356 invitations issued. If you've been in the pool with a lower CRS, check your IRCC account—this draw may include you.
Provincial Nominee Program Draw Detailed List (2025)
| Draw Number | Date of Draw | Invitations Issued | Lowest CRS Score |
| 331 | 01/07/2025 | 471 | 793 |
| 334 | 02/04/2025 | 455 | 802 |
| 336 | 02/17/2025 | 646 | 750 |
| 338 | 03/03/2025 | 725 | 667 |
| 340 | 03/17/2025 | 536 | 736 |
| 342 | 04/14/2025 | 825 | 764 |
| 343 | 04/28/2025 | 421 | 727 |
| 346 | 05/12/2025 | 511 | 706 |
| 348 | 06/02/2025 | 277 | 726 |
| 350 | 06/10/2025 | 125 | 784 |
| 352 | 06/23/2025 | 503 | 742 |
| 356 | 07/07/2025 | 356 | 750 |
Canadian Provinces Draws Details - 2025
Ontario (OINP)
Ontario has remained active in 2025 through the Employer Job Offer and Human Capital Priority streams. In its Ontario most recent draw, the province invited candidates with job offers aligned with in-demand occupations such as healthcare, tech, and skilled trades. The CRS threshold remained competitive, encouraging candidates to align their applications with current labor needs.
British Columbia (BC PNP)
British Columbia has conducted regular draws through its Skills Immigration and Tech streams. In BC PNP latest draw in May 2025, around 94 invitations were issued with a minimum score of 150 in select categories. BC emphasizes local employer support and high-demand skills, especially in TEER 0 and 1 occupations.
Alberta (AAIP)
Alberta held multiple draws in early 2025 under targeted pathways such as Tech, Tourism & Hospitality, and Law Enforcement. Minimum scores for these draws ranged between 49 and 77, making them accessible to candidates with mid-range CRS scores. Alberta continues to offer opportunities to those with Alberta-based experience or job offers. Alberta's latest PNP draw issued 28 invitations under the Dedicated Health Care Pathway (non-Express Entry), with a minimum score requirement of 53.
Manitoba (MPNP)
Manitoba’s 2025 draws continue to focus on Skilled Workers Overseas and those connected to the province through job offers, education, or family ties. In the recent MPNP draw, the provincial government issued 26 Letters of Advice to Apply, with the lowest ranked candidate scoring 727. The province is targeting those who can contribute immediately to its workforce.
Saskatchewan (SINP)
Saskatchewan has taken a more selective approach in 2025. While draw frequency has declined, the province has focused on inviting candidates already living or working in Saskatchewan. In the last SINP draw, candidates with scores above 88 under the International Skilled Worker category received invitations. The province is prioritizing those who can quickly integrate into the local labor market.
Newfoundland & Labrador PNP
The NLPNP targets in-demand roles including registered nurses, transport truck drivers, IT specialists, and equipment mechanics. Invitations are issued via the Skilled Worker (Express Entry–aligned) stream, as well as EOI-driven draws awarding nominations to those with full-time job offers in these sectors. The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism has issued 989 invitations through Newfoundland and Labrador provincial draws as of June 24, 2025.
New Brunswick PNP
New Brunswick’s PNP focuses on healthcare (nurses, personal support workers), education/community professionals (teachers, social service workers), construction/trades (electricians, carpenters) and ICT/software developers. NBPNP Draws happen across the Skilled Worker Experience & Graduate streams, the Priority Occupations stream, and an Express Entry–aligned NB Experience stream .
Nova Scotia PNP
The Nova Scotia Occupations in Demand stream prioritizes nurse aides/orderlies, food & beverage and kitchen helpers, light-duty cleaners, transport truck drivers, heavy-equipment operators, and construction helpers. The Invitations also come from the Labour Market Priorities and Express Entry–linked streams targeting high-demand NOC C and B roles through NSNP draws.
Prince Edward Island PNP
PEI prioritizes healthcare workers (nurses, allied health), skilled trades (electricians, plumbers, carpenters), manufacturing roles, and childcare/support. In the latest PEI PNP draw Invitations are issued through the Labour Impact Category (Skilled Worker, Critical Worker and International Graduate streams), plus an Express Entry–aligned draw focusing on these priority sectors .
Processing Time For Provincial Nominee Program
| Pathway | Processing Time |
| Direct PNP (Base Stream) | 15 - 20 months |
| PNP via Express Entry (Enhanced Stream) | 6 - 8 months after ITA |
If you're eligible for Express Entry and aiming for faster PR, the PNP via Express Entry (Enhanced Stream) is your best choice. However, if your CRS score is low or you don’t qualify for Express Entry, the Direct PNP (Base Stream) provides a solid alternative.
Benefits of Applying Through a PNP Over Express Entry
Applying through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offers distinct advantages over the federal Express Entry system, especially for candidates whose Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores may not meet the high thresholds typically required for Express Entry draws. Let's explore benefits of PNP over Express Entry:
- Obtaining a provincial nomination awards an additional 600 CRS points.
- Beneficial for applicants whose occupations are in high demand in certain provinces but not in Express Entry category based draws.
- Some PNP streams have more flexible eligibility criteria, including lower language proficiency requirements and the possibility of applying without a job offer, depending on the province and stream.
While Express Entry is a competitive, points-based system that ranks candidates on various factors, PNPs provide an alternative route that can be more accommodating to individual circumstances. Therefore, for candidates who may not meet the high CRS thresholds of Express Entry, exploring PNP options can be a strategic move towards achieving Canadian permanent residency.
Conclusion:
A variety of immigration routes are available through the Provincial Nominee Program for skilled workers, business owners, and other people wishing to settle in Canada.
A qualified immigration consultant is often consulted by applicants seeking assistance in navigating the intricate world of PNP choices. These experts may offer insightful advice on choosing the best PNP stream.
Upon starting your immigration process to Canada, keep in mind that every PNP stream has different needs and advantages.
FAQ
Yes, if you fulfil the requirements to be eligible for a particular provincial program. The standards vary by province, so find the ones that best fit your objectives and qualifications.
Direct applications should be made via the province's official website. Always ensure you're using the official provincial government websites to avoid scams. To stay safe from frauds, always make sure you're visiting the official websites of your province.
The cost of the provincial application might range from approximately $250 to $2,000, depending on the program and province. The entire cost per adult candidate may reach $3,000 to $5,000 or more due to additional federal fees and related expenses (language tests, medical exams, etc.).
Examine the employment markets, standard of living, and lifestyle aspects of various provinces. Take into account your own tastes, family ties, and professional abilities. To identify the best fit for your profile, look at the particular PNP streams that each province offers.
