For many foreign nationals seeking Canadian permanent residency (PR), the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a promising pathway—especially if you don’t have a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score or fall outside the scope of Express Entry category-based draws.
With Express Entry profiles surpassing 236,000 and recent cut-off scores climbing between 521–542 for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws in 2025, PNPs offer a strategic route for candidates who may not otherwise qualify,
What is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
The PNP allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate foreign nationals for permanent residence based on regional labor market needs. Each province or territory operates its own PNP with unique streams targeting specific groups like skilled workers, students, or entrepreneurs.
The Two-Step Process for PR via PNP
- Get a Provincial Nomination: Apply to a PNP stream and meet their requirements.
- Apply for PR through IRCC: Once nominated, submit your permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
You must demonstrate your intent to live in the nominating province and meet the stream-specific criteria.
Types of PNP Streams
There are over 80 different PNP pathways across Canada. These are generally divided into two types:
1. Base Streams
- Operate independently of Express Entry.
- No need for an Express Entry profile.
- May not require language tests, ECAs, or settlement funds.
- PR applications are processed through the Permanent Residence Portal.
- Processing time: ~21 months.
2. Enhanced Streams
- Aligned with Express Entry.
- Require an active Express Entry profile.
- Require eligibility for CEC, FSWP, or FSTP programs.
- PR applications are processed via Express Entry.
- Faster processing time: ~6 months.
- Provide 600 additional CRS points upon nomination.
Read More : Work Experience Strategies to Increase Your CRS Score
How to Be Considered for a PNP
There are five general pathways:
| Type | Process |
|---|---|
| Base – Direct Application | Apply directly with a full application. |
| Base – Expression of Interest (EOI) | Submit an EOI. If selected, you’ll be invited to apply. |
| Enhanced – Passive | You are automatically considered based on your Express Entry profile. |
| Enhanced – Active – Direct Application | Apply directly to the province with an Express Entry profile. |
| Enhanced – Active – EOI Pool | Submit an EOI with Express Entry details. |
Tip: Follow each province’s guidelines carefully—requirements and processes vary significantly.
Eligibility Criteria
While criteria vary by stream, common requirements include:
- Age
- Education
- Work Experience
- Language Proficiency (English/French)
- Job Offer (in many cases)
- Intent to reside in the nominating province
Enhanced streams require an Express Entry profile, which means you must:
- Have a valid language test (IELTS/CELPIP)
- Hold an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Meet one of the Express Entry program requirements (CEC, FSWP, FSTP)
- Have NOC TEER 0–3 occupation
Base streams are more flexible and may accept candidates in NOC TEER 4–5 roles or without language/educational tests initially.
Post-Nomination Process
For Base Streams:
- Receive nomination certificate.
- Apply for PR through IRCC’s PR Portal.
- Processing time: ~21 months.
For Enhanced Streams:
- Update Express Entry profile with nomination.
- Province confirms nomination.
- Accept within 30 days.
- Receive 600 CRS points.
- Get Invitation to Apply (ITA).
- Submit PR application via Express Entry.
- Processing time: ~6 months.
Cost of Applying Through PNP
Provincial Application Fee
| Stream Type | Fee Range |
| Worker/Graduate | $0 – $2,500 |
| Entrepreneur | $0 – $10,000 |
Federal Fees (IRCC)
| Fee Type | Amount |
| Application Fee | $950 |
| Right of PR Fee | $575 |
| Biometrics | $85 per person |
| Spouse (processing + PR) | $1,525 |
| Dependent Child | $260 per child |
Third-Party Costs
- Language Tests: $300–$400
- ECA: $210–$260
- Medical Exam: $100–$320
- Translations: $20–$60/page
- Police Certificates: Varies
Key Updates for 2025: Increased Competition
The federal government reduced its 2025 PNP targets to 55,000 (down from 110,000 in 2024).
This has led provinces to:
- Close international graduate streams
- Tighten eligibility criteria
- Limit nominations to in-demand sectors
- Ban certain NOC codes
Despite this, the PNP remains one of the most strategic routes to Canadian PR for candidates who don’t qualify for high-scoring Express Entry rounds.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering Canadian immigration and don’t meet the high CRS thresholds, the Provincial Nominee Program could be your best option—whether through a base or enhanced stream.
Each province has its own labor market needs, and the key to success lies in targeting the right stream based on your profile.
At The Millennium Immigration, our expert team helps you identify the best PNP options, prepare a strong application, and guide you every step of the way to Canadian permanent residency.
