Other Provincial Nominee Programs
In addition to Ontario’s Immigrant Nominee Program, every Canadian province and territory (except Quebec and Nunavut) operates its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These programs are designed to respond to specific regional labor market needs by allowing provinces to nominate individuals for permanent residence who have the skills, work experience, and intent to settle in that region.
Each province tailors its PNP to reflect its economic priorities, meaning eligibility criteria, target occupations, and program structure vary. Some streams focus on skilled workers in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, IT, construction, or agriculture, while others prioritize international graduates, entrepreneurs, or candidates with job offers from local employers.
For example, British Columbia offers the BC PNP with tech-focused draws and pathways for both skilled workers and international students. Alberta nominates candidates through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, which includes Express Entry-aligned and non-Express Entry streams. Manitoba has long supported regional immigration through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), and Saskatchewan’s SINP targets skilled professionals with experience in in-demand occupations. Atlantic provinces also operate PNPs alongside the Atlantic Immigration Program, offering multiple routes for settlement in Eastern Canada.
Some PNPs are aligned with the Express Entry system, offering faster processing times and access to additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for candidates with provincial nominations. Others use a paper-based application process, where applicants apply directly to the province and then to IRCC once nominated.
Many of these programs hold regular nomination draws and update their lists of eligible occupations and scoring grids, so staying informed is crucial. PNPs are particularly attractive for candidates who may not have high CRS scores but meet regional criteria.
If you’re exploring immigration opportunities across Canada, PNPs beyond Ontario may provide a better fit based on your profession, location preference, or job offer.
To learn more about broader immigration strategies and how other provinces might suit your goals, visit our Other Immigration Programs page.
Book a consultation with RightWay Canada to evaluate your profile and determine which Provincial Nominee Program aligns with your background and aspirations. Our consultants will guide you through every step of the process—from eligibility assessment to application submission—so you can move toward Canadian permanent residency with confidence.
