The eligibility criteria for the PNP is different based on whether you apply through the paper-based (non-Express Entry streams) or Express Entry (Express Entry streams) process.

If you are applying through the paper-based process

• You must meet the minimum requirements of one of the province or territory’s non-Express Entry streams.
• You must be nominated under that stream.

If you are applying through Express Entry

• You must meet the minimum requirements of a province or territory’s Express Entry PNP stream.
• You must be nominated under that stream.
• You must create an Express Entry profile and show that you meet the minimum criteria for Express Entry, including the requirements of one of the immigration programs it covers.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate people who want to immigrate to Canada but want to live in a specific province.

• Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program
• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
• Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program
• Others – Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Alberta, Manitoba, Yukon, Saskatchewan,…\

Note: Except for Quebec, which has a different selection system, each Canadian province and two territories have their own distinct Provincial Nominee Programs.