Get Canadian Permanent Residency Through the PNP

April 14, 2025

Ishita Soni

How to Get Canadian Permanent Residency Through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

For many people hoping to move to Canada permanently, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) might be the most practical and achievable path—especially if you don’t have a high score in the federal Express Entry system. In this blog, we’ll break down how the PNP works, how to apply, and what recent changes might mean for your chances.

What Is the PNP?

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to select immigrants based on their specific labor and population needs. If a province chooses you, it means they are “nominating” you for permanent residency.

This is a popular option for people who:

• Don’t have a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score
• Don’t qualify for category-based Express Entry draws

How Does It Work?

Getting PR through the PNP is a two-step process:

1. Apply for a nomination from a province or territory.
2. Use the nomination to apply for permanent residency with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

You must also show that you genuinely plan to live in the province that nominates you.

How Do You Apply for a Provincial Nomination?

To get started, you’ll need to:

• Choose a PNP stream
• Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements
• Submit your application or Expression of Interest (EOI)

Each province has different streams and rules, so do your research carefully—or consult with an immigration expert.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria?

Although each PNP stream has its own requirements, most will consider:

• Your age
• Your education level
• A job offer (if required)
• Language test scores
• Your work experience

For enhanced streams (explained below), you’ll also need to meet federal program eligibility.

Base vs Enhanced PNP Streams

There are two types of PNP streams: base and enhanced. Understanding the difference is key to choosing the right path.

Enhanced Streams

• Linked to Express Entry
• You need an active Express Entry profile
• Must qualify for one of these federal programs:
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• You get faster PR processing (around 6 months)

Base Streams

• Not linked to Express Entry
• No Express Entry profile needed
• More flexible eligibility (e.g., may not need a skilled occupation or language test at the start)
• Slower PR processing (up to 21 months)

Some provinces offer both base and enhanced versions of the same stream.

How Do Provinces Choose Candidates?

There are two main ways you can be considered for a nomination:

Active Consideration

You take the first step by either:

• Applying directly to a PNP stream
• Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI)

This applies to both base and enhanced streams.

Passive Consideration (Enhanced Only)

Some provinces use your Express Entry profile to find candidates. If you’re selected, they’ll send a Letter of Interest. You can then apply for a nomination.

This process is only for enhanced streams and requires you to list the provinces you’re interested in on your Express Entry profile.

What Happens After You’re Nominated?

This depends on the type of stream:

Base Streams

• You receive a nomination certificate
• You apply for PR through the Permanent Residence Portal
• Processing time: ~21 months.

Enhanced Streams

• You update your Express Entry profile with the nomination
• You get 600 bonus CRS points
• You’ll likely receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) quickly
• Processing time: ~6 months.

What Does It Cost?

While the exact costs can vary, here’s what you’ll generally need to pay:

• A provincial application fee
• Federal PR application fees
• Third-party costs (language tests, medical exams, etc.)

What’s Changing in 2025?

Unfortunately, it’s now harder to qualify for PNP due to policy changes:

• In late 2024, the federal government cut the PNP immigration target in half (from 110,000 to 55,000 for 2025)
• Provinces now have fewer nominations to give
• Many programs:
  • Are not accepting applications
  • Have stricter requirements
  • Are focusing only on in-demand jobs.

Conclusion

Even though it’s now more competitive, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) remains one of the best options for people with lower CRS scores or those who don’t qualify for other Express Entry categories.

If you’re serious about immigrating to Canada, understanding your PNP options is a smart first step.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

Get In Touch