Processing Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applications: Examination before granting permanent residence as a Provincial Nominee
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
New Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) regulatory changes take effect on March 30, 2026. Regulatory changes transfer authorities from IRCC to the provinces and territories to assess a candidate’s ability to be economically established and intent to reside in the jurisdiction that is nominating the nominee. The regulatory changes cover all existing and new PNP applications with the department.
To become a permanent resident, a foreign national must either present their Confirmation of Permanent Residence document and their permanent resident visa at a port of entry to Canada, or if they are in Canada with valid temporary resident status, the processing office will refer the file for the client to be virtually landed.
Accompanying family members of the nominee principal applicant who are not inadmissible will become permanent residents at the same time as or after the principal applicant becomes a permanent resident, in accordance with subsection 87(12) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
Examinations at ports of entry
When processing at a port of entry, officers do not have the authority to assess a nominee’s ability to be economically established or intent to reside in the nominating province or territory, or to substitute the province’s or territory’s decision on these two criteria. All other eligibility requirements will continue to be assessed according to current practice.
Officers will continue to process applications for which there are admissibility concerns according to current procedure.
When a refusal on eligibility grounds is likely, CBSA and IRCC officers will consult with provinces and territories as required.
Examinations referred to IRCC inland offices
When CBSA officers adjourn examinations to an IRCC inland office for finalization because of admissibility concerns, the IRCC inland office is not required to contact the nominating province or territory to advise them of a possible admissibility issue. IRCC will share its reasons for refusal and/or other information, subject to privacy limitations, with the nominating province or territory, in accordance with the bilateral information-sharing arrangement.
Nomination withdrawn
If the nominating province or territory withdraws the nomination before landing, officers will write a report under subsection 44(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act alleging non-compliance (section A41), as the applicant is not named in a nomination issued by the applicable provincial or territorial government as required by subsection R87(2), and will refuse the application for permanent residence.
Nomination maintained
If the nominating province or territory maintains the nomination after reviewing the adverse information related to eligibility that was found by IRCC or CBSA, and the officer is not satisfied that the applicant is admissible or eligible (for reasons other than those related to intent to reside and economic establishment), the officer will write a subsection A44(1) report for the associated allegation and will refuse the application for permanent residence.