Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Provincial Nominee Programs allow provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on local labour market and economic needs. Each jurisdiction sets eligibility for skilled workers, international graduates, semi-skilled workers, and sometimes business or entrepreneur streams. Some PNPs link to Express Entry for faster processing.
Candidates must meet the specific program requirements—often job offers, in‑demand experience, education, language, or community ties. After nomination, applicants apply to IRCC for permanent residence. The nomination confirms provincial support and alignment with priorities.
Cohen Visa advises on PNP eligibility, nomination strategy, documentation, and federal application compliance for successful nominations and long-term planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Provincial nomination & permanent residence
PNPs are immigration programs run by individual provinces and territories to nominate people for permanent residence when their skills, experience, or business plans align with local labour market or economic priorities. Each jurisdiction sets its own streams, criteria, and processing approaches.
Some PNP streams are “enhanced” and linked to Express Entry: a nomination adds significant Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points and supports an invitation to apply for permanent residence through the federal Express Entry system. Other streams are “base” nominations that lead to a non-Express Entry permanent residence application. Cohen Visa helps identify which path matches your situation.
Many streams require a qualifying job offer from an employer in the province, but some target international graduates, entrepreneurs, or workers in priority occupations without a traditional offer. Requirements differ by province and stream; we assess where your profile fits current rules.
A nomination is a formal invitation to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence, subject to federal eligibility and admissibility checks. You must submit a complete application within required timeframes and meet any conditions attached to your nomination.
Timelines vary by province, stream, and federal inventory. Published processing estimates change; Cohen Visa advises on realistic planning based on current guidance and how to avoid delays from incomplete documentation.
We advise on stream selection, employer and community requirements, expression-of-interest strategy, nomination applications, and coordination with Express Entry or base federal permanent residence filings. We align your file with provincial and IRCC expectations.