Provincial Nominee Program
Workers nominated by a province or territory to meet local labour needs and become permanent residents.
The Provincial Nominee Program is a Canadian work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~CA$1,525 federal + provincial fee (free to ~CA$2,000 depending on province)) and processing time (~6 months (Express Entry stream) or ~11-13 months (base/paper stream)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Provincial Nominee Program is for
Workers nominated by a province or territory to meet local labour needs and become permanent residents.
A provincial nomination leads directly to permanent residence; enhanced streams add 600 CRS points.
Provincial Nominee Program - eligibility criteria
- Be nominated by a participating province or territory
- Meet that province's specific stream criteria (job, skills or study)
- Intend to live in the nominating province
- Meet federal admissibility (medical, security)
- Meet language/education thresholds set by the stream
Provincial Nominee Program cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Provincial Nominee Program (Canada) is ~CA$1,525 federal + provincial fee (free to ~CA$2,000 depending on province), with an indicative processing time of ~6 months (Express Entry stream) or ~11-13 months (base/paper stream). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at IRCC (canada.ca).
| Type | Points-based |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Apply to a province first, then to IRCC (online or paper) |
| Length of stay | Permanent |
| Work rights | Full work rights as a permanent resident |
| Study rights | Full study rights as a permanent resident |
| Government fee | ~CA$1,525 federal + provincial fee (free to ~CA$2,000 depending on province) |
| Processing time | ~6 months (Express Entry stream) or ~11-13 months (base/paper stream) |
| Route to PR | A provincial nomination leads directly to permanent residence; enhanced streams add 600 CRS points. |
Pathway & next steps
A provincial nomination leads directly to permanent residence; enhanced streams add 600 CRS points.
Many applicants also compare Express Entry · Express Entry (Economic Immigration System), FSW · Federal Skilled Worker Program, AIP · Atlantic Immigration Program. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Canadian route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Provincial Nominee Program pitfalls we fix
Provincial Nominee Program - frequently asked questions
How much does the Provincial Nominee Program cost?
The Provincial Nominee Program government fee is ~CA$1,525 federal + provincial fee (free to ~CA$2,000 depending on province). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at IRCC (canada.ca) before applying.
How long does the Provincial Nominee Program take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~6 months (Express Entry stream) or ~11-13 months (base/paper stream). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Provincial Nominee Program lead to permanent residence?
A provincial nomination leads directly to permanent residence; enhanced streams add 600 CRS points.
Can I work on the Provincial Nominee Program?
Work rights: Full work rights as a permanent resident.
Who can apply for the Provincial Nominee Program?
Workers nominated by a province or territory to meet local labour needs and become permanent residents.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Canada government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- IRCC (canada.ca) - official Canada immigration authority