Canada — Work (Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP))

Main requirements

Each province sets its own rules. Two types: Express Entry-linked (a nomination adds 600 CRS points) and base streams with a separate paper process. Per Ontario's official source, eight former streams (including Human Capital Priorities, French-speaking Skilled Worker, Master's and PhD Graduate) closed on 25 June 2026, and the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream (from 4 August 2026) requires a full-time permanent job offer (except self-employed physicians). In Alberta's Express Entry stream, the healthcare, tech and law-enforcement pathways need an Alberta job offer. Saskatchewan has Occupation In-Demand and Saskatchewan Express Entry subcategories but says there are no scheduled draws and held none for them in 2026. Manitoba's Skilled Worker Overseas only invites people the province directly invited through strategic recruitment. Nova Scotia's Express Entry stream now needs a year of work in Nova Scotia or, for physicians, an approved job offer. So among the provinces we checked, we found no open stream inviting people in Iran without a job offer or a provincial connection.

Documents

As Express Entry plus provincial documents: job offer (if required), proof of provincial connection, provincial forms.

Language

Each stream sets its own minimum; Express Entry-linked streams also need the federal program minimum (e.g. CLB 7 for FSW).

Costs and proof of funds

Federal fees CAD 1,590 for the principal + 85 biometrics; each province charges its own application fee, e.g. Ontario CAD 1,500 (2,000 in the Toronto area), British Columbia 1,750, Alberta 1,500 (plus 135 for the EOI), Nova Scotia 1,000, and Saskatchewan and Manitoba 500. Funds depend on the stream.

Steps and timeline

Choose province and stream; submit an EOI or Express Entry profile; provincial invitation; nomination application; nomination; federal PR application; landing. Per IRCC (October 2026), the federal PNP stage takes about 7 months via Express Entry and about 13 months on paper.

Notes for Iranian applicants

2026 PNP Express Entry draw cut-offs were 697-805, meaning only already-nominated candidates were invited. For someone in Iran without a job offer, PNP chances in 2026 are limited. Warning: bought job offers and 'LMIA for sale' are fraud. Biometrics and security screening as Express Entry.

After arrival (work while studying, post-study stay, PR path)

You land as a PR; the province expects you to live and work there. The 2026 levels plan targets about 91,500 PNP admissions.