What the PNP Canada is and who it suits
The PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) is Canada’s provincial nomination program, allowing provinces and territories to select skilled candidates who match local labor needs. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), being nominated through the Express Entry-aligned stream adds +600 CRS points — virtually guaranteeing an invitation.
In 2026, the PNP is being expanded to its largest scale ever: the allocation rises from 55,000 to 91,500 places (+66%). This is a major opportunity for those whose occupation matches a specific province’s needs, even when their overall CRS score is not yet high enough.
Not sure which province fits your occupation? Get a free profile assessment or try the CRS points calculator.
- +600 CRS points when nominated through the Express Entry stream
- Record 2026 expansion: 91,500 places (+66%)
- An opportunity for those without a high enough overall CRS score
Two PNP nomination routes
The PNP has two main streams. The Express Entry-aligned stream gives a +600 point advantage.
EE-aligned
Qua Express Entry
The province nominates a candidate already in the Express Entry pool → +600 CRS, virtually certain to receive an invitation.
Base PNP
Direct provincial application
Apply directly to the province outside Express Entry; processing takes longer but broadens your opportunities.
Based on provincial needs
Dedicated streams
Each province opens streams based on occupations in shortage (Ontario OINP, BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba…).
The PNP application process
The PNP adds a provincial nomination step compared with straight Express Entry.
Step 1 — Choose a province & check your occupation
Identify the province with a stream suited to your occupation and profile; prepare language testing and credential assessment.
Step 2 — Express interest / submit nomination application
Submit your nomination application according to the province's mechanism (EE-aligned or Base).
Step 3 — Receive nomination (+600 CRS)
When nominated by the province through the Express Entry stream, your profile gains +600 points and receives an invitation to apply.
Step 4 — Submit your PR application & landing
Submit your permanent residence application; once approved, the whole family receives PR and settles in the nominating province.
Documents and costs
PNP costs include: language test fees, credential assessment (ECA), the provincial nomination fee (varies by province), the federal PR application fee, medical exam, police certificates and service fees. See the cost structure on the pricing page; M2W advises on the province most likely to nominate your profile.
Frequently asked questions about the PNP
How many CRS points does the PNP add?
Being nominated by a province through the Express Entry stream adds +600 CRS points — practically guaranteeing an invitation in the next round.
What's new with the PNP in 2026?
The PNP allocation rises from 55,000 (2025) to 91,500 places in 2026 (+66%) — the largest increase in history, opening up very broad opportunities.
Do I have to live in the nominating province?
Yes. When you accept a province's nomination, you commit to living and working in that province.
How do I know which province fits my occupation?
Each province publishes its own stream and occupation list by period. M2W specialists check and advise on the province most likely to nominate you.
Does the whole family get PR?
Yes. Your spouse and dependent children are included in the application and receive PR together.
Which province will nominate your profile?
With 91,500 places in 2026 and the +600 CRS advantage, the PNP is a major opportunity. M2W consultants advise on the province most likely to nominate your occupation.
