How provincial nomination works
Most provinces and territories have a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Canada's 2026 target for PNP admissions is 91,500, which makes it one of the biggest routes to PR.
A nomination through an Express Entry-linked stream adds 600 CRS points. Base streams lead to a separate PR application. Either way, IRCC makes the final decision. Read our Provincial Nominee Program guide.
Quebec has its own separate system, and Nunavut doesn't have a PNP.
5 things that matter more than the province's name
- Your occupation. Provinces target jobs they're short of. Check if your NOC is in demand there.
- Your job offer. Many streams need a job offer from an employer in the province.
- Your ties. Living, studying or working in the province can help or be required.
- Language and points. Many provinces rank candidates, so a stronger profile matters everywhere.
- Whether you'd really live there. You must intend to live in the province that nominates you.
Where to check each province
| Province | Program | Official site |
|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | BC PNP | WelcomeBC |
| Alberta | Alberta Advantage Immigration Program | alberta.ca |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program | saskatchewan.ca |
| Manitoba | Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program | immigratemanitoba.com |
| Ontario | Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program | ontario.ca |
| Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia Nominee Program | liveinnovascotia.com |
| All provinces and territories | Full list | IRCC |
Other regional routes
- Atlantic Immigration Program: for workers and graduates with a job offer from a designated employer in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador. The 2026 target is 4,000.
- Community pilots: IRCC runs community-based pilots for rural and Francophone communities outside Quebec.
In BC?
BC's program focuses on Care, Build and Innovate workers. If you're already working here, start with how to get invited by the BC PNP and try our BC PNP calculator.
A warning about moving for a nomination
Don't accept a nomination from a province you don't intend to live in. Provinces nominate people to meet their local job needs, and a stated intention that isn't true can cause problems with your application.
FAQs
Which province gives PR fastest?
There's no fixed answer. Enhanced (Express Entry) streams are usually faster than base streams, but timing depends on the province's process and IRCC's processing times.
Can I get PR in a province without a job offer?
Some streams don't need one, but many do. It depends on the stream and when you apply, so check the province's current rules.
Can I apply to more than one province?
Yes, you can be in more than one province's pool, but you can only accept one nomination.