Processing Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applications received through Express Entry
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
This section describes how to process electronic applications for permanent residence (e-APR) submitted by PNP applicants who were invited to apply through Express Entry (“enhanced” nominations).
PNP e-APR are subject to the Express Entry six-month processing standard (80% of applications in six months or less). The six month period begins when Citizenship and Immigration Canada confirms that a candidate has submitted a complete e-APR through their MyCIC account. The processing period ends when a final decision is made.
As of January 1, 2015, provinces can nominate candidates through this process or via paper-based application.
Canada has entered into bilateral agreements with provinces and territories (except Quebec and Nunavut) to allow them to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on the provinces' assessment of the nominees' ability to contribute to the economic growth and development of those provinces.
Provinces and territories have the authority and responsibility to establish their own criteria for nomination, as long as the criteria are not incompatible with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, national immigration policy, and the Federal-Provincial/Territorial bilateral agreements, while Citizenship and Immigration Canada is responsible for the following in relation to enhanced nominations:
- assessing the applicant’s eligibility for the Provincial Nominee class;
- assessing that the applicant meets the program requirements of at least one of the federal economic immigration programs;
- assessing factors related to the IRPA section 11.2;
- assessing the applicant’s admissibility under the IRPA and IRPR;
- making a final decision on the application for permanent residence.