Canada Immigration
Canada Provincial Nominee Program
Provincial and territorial governments nominate skilled workers who meet their specific economic needs and have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy of that province or territory.
Key Benefits
Eligibility Requirements
General requirements for Provincial Nominee Programs across Canada
Education
- Minimum education requirements vary by province
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) usually required
- Provincial requirements may be higher than federal minimums
- Some programs target specific educational backgrounds
Work Experience
- Relevant work experience in demand occupation
- Experience requirements vary by province and stream
- Some programs require job offer from provincial employer
- Work experience must align with provincial economic needs
Language Proficiency
- Language requirements vary by province and occupation
- Some provinces accept lower language scores than federal programs
- Bilingual candidates may have advantages in certain provinces
- Valid language test results required
Provincial Connection
- Genuine intention to reside in nominating province
- Job offer, family ties, or previous education/work in province
- Investment or business establishment (business streams)
- Demonstration of commitment to provincial settlement
Financial Requirements
- Proof of funds to support family settlement
- Financial requirements vary by province and family size
- Some streams require investment commitments
- Bank statements and asset documentation required
Provincial Criteria
- Meet specific provincial eligibility criteria
- Score sufficient points in provincial assessment
- Occupation must be in provincial demand list
- Comply with provincial application procedures
Complete Document Checklist
Comprehensive documentation requirements for Provincial Nominee Program applications
⚠️ Important Advisory
⚖️Provincial Variations
- • Each province has unique requirements
- • Programs and criteria change frequently
- • Professional guidance essential for province selection
⏱️Application Timing
- • Provincial applications have separate timelines
- • Some programs have limited annual allocations
- • Express Entry profile must remain active
📋Commitment Requirements
- • Legal and moral obligation to reside in nominating province
- • Breaking commitment can affect future applications
- • Settlement plans must be genuine and realistic
Identity & Personal DocumentsREQUIRED
Personal identification and civil status documentation
Valid Passport
Current passport with minimum 2 years validity. Include all pages for family members.
💡 Tip: Ensure passport has sufficient validity for application processing and potential travel.
Birth Certificate
Official birth certificate showing full names and parents' information.
💡 Tip: Long-form birth certificate preferred. Hospital-issued certificates not accepted.
Marriage Certificate
Official marriage certificate if including spouse in application.
💡 Tip: Must be legally registered marriage. Religious ceremonies require legal registration.
Divorce/Separation Documents
Final divorce decree or separation agreements if previously married.
💡 Tip: Ensure all previous marriages are properly documented and legally resolved.
Common-law Relationship Proof
Evidence of 12+ months cohabitation if in common-law relationship.
💡 Tip: Include joint accounts, leases, insurance policies, utility bills in both names.
Educational CredentialsREQUIRED
Educational qualifications and assessment documentation
Educational Credential Assessment
ECA report from designated organization for foreign educational credentials.
💡 Tip: Choose assessment organization accepted by target province. WES widely accepted.
Official Transcripts
Complete academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.
💡 Tip: Request official transcripts directly from institutions in sealed envelopes.
Diplomas and Degrees
Original or certified copies of all diplomas, degrees, and certificates.
💡 Tip: Include professional certifications relevant to your occupation.
Professional Licenses
Current professional licenses if working in regulated occupation.
💡 Tip: Check if profession is regulated in target province and licensing requirements.
Language Test ResultsREQUIRED
Official language proficiency test results
English Language Test Results
IELTS, CELPIP, or other accepted English language test results.
💡 Tip: Check minimum scores required by target province. Results valid for 2 years.
French Language Test Results
TEF or TCF results if claiming French language proficiency.
💡 Tip: Bilingual abilities provide advantages in certain provinces like New Brunswick.
Language Test Score Reports
Official test report forms showing scores in all four language skills.
💡 Tip: Ensure test results meet both provincial and federal minimum requirements.
Work Experience & EmploymentREQUIRED
Employment history and professional experience documentation
Employment Reference Letters
Detailed reference letters from employers describing duties, tenure, and salary.
💡 Tip: Letters must include NOC code duties, full-time hours, and supervisor contact info.
Job Offer Letter
Valid job offer from employer in target province (if required by stream).
💡 Tip: Job offer must meet provincial wage and working condition standards.
Employment Contracts
Signed employment agreements showing terms and conditions of employment.
💡 Tip: Include current contracts and amendments. Temporary contracts may not qualify.
Pay Stubs and Tax Documents
Recent pay stubs, T4 slips, and tax returns proving employment and income.
💡 Tip: Provide 6 months of recent pay stubs and latest tax assessment.
Professional References
Professional references from supervisors and colleagues verifying experience.
💡 Tip: Include contact information and relationship to applicant for each reference.
Financial DocumentationREQUIRED
Proof of financial ability to support settlement
Bank Statements
6 months of bank statements showing consistent balance and transaction history.
💡 Tip: Maintain steady balance above minimum requirements. Avoid large unexplained deposits.
Investment Statements
Current investment portfolio statements and asset valuations.
💡 Tip: Include only liquid investments that can be readily converted to cash.
Proof of Assets
Documentation of property, vehicles, and other significant assets.
💡 Tip: Professional valuations may be required for significant assets.
Gift Deed (if applicable)
Notarized gift deed if receiving financial support from family members.
💡 Tip: Must demonstrate funds are gifted, not loaned. Include donor's financial proof.
Provincial-Specific DocumentsREQUIRED
Documents specific to target province requirements
Settlement Plan
Detailed plan demonstrating intention to settle in nominating province.
💡 Tip: Include research on housing, employment opportunities, and community connections.
Provincial Connection Proof
Evidence of connections to target province (family, education, work history).
💡 Tip: Document genuine ties and reasons for choosing specific province.
Business Plan (Business Streams)
Comprehensive business plan if applying through business or entrepreneur stream.
💡 Tip: Include market research, financial projections, and job creation plans.
Licensing Documents
Professional licensing requirements and applications for regulated occupations.
💡 Tip: Start licensing process early as it can significantly impact settlement timeline.
Medical & Security ClearancesREQUIRED
Health and character verification documentation
Medical Examination
Medical exam by designated medical practitioner (required after provincial nomination).
💡 Tip: Book medical exam only after receiving provincial nomination. Valid for 1 year.
Police Clearance Certificates
Police clearances from all countries where lived 6+ months since age 18.
💡 Tip: Start police clearance process early. Some countries require months for processing.
Military Service Records
Military service documents if applicable to applicant's background.
💡 Tip: Include service records, discharge papers, and any relevant military documentation.
Supporting Documentation
Additional documents that strengthen your application
Family Information Forms
Completed family information and background declaration forms.
💡 Tip: Provide complete and accurate information for all family members.
Digital Photographs
Digital photos meeting IRCC specifications for all family members.
💡 Tip: Professional photos recommended to meet exact size and quality requirements.
Travel History
Complete travel history and passport stamps for past 10 years.
💡 Tip: Include all trips, even short visits. Explain any gaps in travel documentation.
Additional Provincial Forms
Province-specific application forms and supplementary documentation.
💡 Tip: Each province has unique forms. Ensure all provincial requirements are met.
Application Process Timeline
Step-by-step PNP process from provincial application to permanent residence
Research Provincial Programs
Research various provincial programs to find the best match for your profile and settlement goals.
Submit Provincial Application
Apply directly to the provincial program that matches your qualifications and goals.
Provincial Assessment
Province reviews your application and conducts assessment based on their criteria.
Receive Provincial Nomination
If approved, receive Provincial Nomination Certificate and 600 additional CRS points.
Submit Federal Application
Apply through Express Entry system with provincial nomination for permanent residence.
Federal Processing
IRCC processes your permanent residence application with provincial nomination.
Landing and Settlement
Receive COPR and settle in the nominating province with provincial support services.
Ready to Explore Provincial Nomination?
Provincial nomination provides 600 CRS points and virtually guarantees an invitation. Each province has unique requirements and selection criteria.