The PNP provides the provinces/territories with the benefits of targeted recruiting and selection of foreign nationals who can help meet the specific local labour market and economic needs for immigration to fill a skills shortage or to attract specialized occupational skills.

This program is for workers who:

1. have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory
2. want to live in that province, and
3. want to become permanent residents of Canada

Each province and territory has its own “streams” (immigration programs that target certain groups) and requirements. For example, in a program stream, provinces and territories may target:

1. students
2. business people
3. skilled workers
4. semi-skilled workers

Provinces/Territories set their own selection criteria and guidelines for selecting qualified applicants who, if issued a certificate of nomination, must apply for permanent residence through IRCC and undergo an inadmissibility assessment by a visa officer who has the final decision on the application. Successful applicants must reside in the province/territory that nominated them. The criteria by province and territory vary and can change without notice.