Canada PR and Provincial Nominee Programs
Provinces have more room to nominate in 2026. Find out which route to Canadian permanent residence fits your profile, and prepare it properly from the start.
Why PNPs matter now
More provincial places
Canada's target for Provincial Nominee Program admissions in 2026 is 91,500, up from 55,000 in 2025.
A big Express Entry boost
A provincial nomination through Express Entry adds 600 points to your score, which usually leads to an invitation to apply for PR.
Job offer points removed
Express Entry no longer gives extra points for a job offer, so for many people a provincial nomination is now the stronger route.
Figures as announced by the Government of Canada for 2026. Programmes, draws and streams change often; we check the current rules at your assessment.
Main routes to Canada PR
Express Entry
Canada's points-based system for skilled workers: age, education, language results and work experience.
PNP, linked to Express Entry
Provinces pick candidates from the Express Entry pool. A nomination adds 600 points.
PNP, direct to the province
Apply to a province's own stream. After nomination, you apply for PR separately.
Regional and community programmes
Routes for workers needed in smaller communities and the Atlantic provinces.
Provinces with nominee programmes
- Ontario
- British Columbia
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Yukon
- Northwest Territories
Quebec runs its own separate selection system.
What we look at first
- Age, education and education credential assessment (ECA)
- English or French test results
- Skilled work experience, in India or abroad
- Any connection to a province: study, work, family or a job offer
- Your spouse's profile, which can add points
How it works
Profile assessment
We estimate your score and the provinces that fit.
Plan
Language test, ECA and which streams to target.
Profile and nomination
Express Entry profile and provincial applications.
PR application
Documents and filing after an invitation or nomination.
Common questions
What is a Provincial Nominee Program?
A Canadian province selects people whose skills it needs. A provincial nomination supports your application for permanent residence.
How many points does a provincial nomination add?
A nomination through an Express Entry-linked stream adds 600 points to your Comprehensive Ranking System score.
Can I get Canada PR with a low CRS score?
Sometimes. Provincial and community programmes look at factors other than the Express Entry score. We check which ones fit you.
Do I need IELTS for Canada PR?
Most routes need an approved English or French test. The score you need depends on the programme.
Does my spouse's profile matter?
Yes. Your spouse's education, language results and work experience can add points or open other options.
Get a free assessment
Send your details on WhatsApp and a counsellor will reply. Or visit the office.
Migrators
SCF 44, 2nd Floor, above IndusInd BankNear Katani Dhaba, Phase 3B-2
Mohali, Punjab
Planning to study in Canada first? See Canada study visas at Study International.