Provincial nominee PRs are about to be processed faster
Article By : Acme Immigrations
Highlights of the changes that have come into force –
Ottawa is giving new authorities to the Provinces, allowing them jurisdiction to select their own candidates for permanent residency. The new powers and authorities were transferred to the Provinces on March 30, 2026. With this transfer of authority, Provinces now have the power to decide whether a candidate is eligible to live in their province/territory, and whether or not they can economically establish themselves in the country. The new rules apply to all new and existing PNP applications that have not yet passed the eligibility stage, whether before, on, or after March 30, 2026.
Canada gives authority to the PNP programs in each Province the power to assess eligibility decisions for PR files –
As of March 30, 2026, the Provinces have two major additional authorities transferred from IRCC, which includes the following:
1) Assess the eligibility of candidates to reside in the nominating province or territory
2) Assess the eligibility of candidates to establish themselves economically in Canada
Under the new PNP rules, PNP candidates with a provincial nomination certificate are no longer subject to substituted evaluation rules, or a change of decision by IRCC. While IRCC no longer has the authority to evaluate intent to reside or economic establishment, it has retained powers of decisions over the following areas:
1) Applicant identity and credentials
2) Confirmation that the Provincial Nomination Certificate is valid and has not expired
3) Security, medical, and financial checks for admissibility to Canada
4) Minimum entry criteria for their applications should the file go through Express Entry (FSWP, FSTP, CEC)
How to prepare your PNP application to ensure you meet the criteria for the Provinces – intent to reside and economic establishment
Ensure you have a valid job offer/employment contract in a high demand occupation, as most Provinces have moved to targeted draws and will nominate candidates with in-demand skills
Make sure that your Canadian work experience is valid, and that your study experience is valid, and that you complied with all conditions on either a work permit or a study permit
Make sure you provide proof if you have a family connection to the Province or Territory that you are applying
Make sure you keep a record of time spent in the Province as a temporary resident, with status documents, including visitor records
Make sure your knowledge of the local community is strong, and fulfill any duties or obligations in liaising with community offices linked to the PNPs
Make sure that your education qualifications align with labour market needs of the Provinces
Ensure that you have sufficient settlement funds to be able to economically establish yourself in the Province of destination.
How will the new Provincial Authority transfer impact PNP candidates going forward?
PNP candidates will be affected in the following ways –
1) PNP eligibility assessments will be fully complete once the candidate receives their Provincial Nomination Certificate
2) The Provinces will be scrutinizing intent to reside and economic establishment, so candidates need to ensure they meet this criteria early and keep up with PNP changes in their province
3) IRCC can no longer revoke a valid Nomination Certificate based on the two major eligibility criteria.
4) Candidates can avail of reduced risk of federal refusals because the PNPs have more authority
5) The Nomination Certificate from the province is “proof” that the eligibility assessment is complete
6) PNP candidates must thoroughly prepare their documents to meet both criteria and to pass the tests
Applicants should carefully review their province’s PNP stream requirements, as each jurisdiction may weigh factors differently. If IRCC has a concern, they have 60-90 days to liaise with the province or territory office and ask for their concerns to be addressed. However, the Province will ultimately make the final decision on eligibility regardless of a concern that could be raised.
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