Nothing checked off yet

First visit? Here's how the map works.

Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Choose the province you want to live in

Provincial Nominee ProgramsGet nominatedStep 5 of 8

BlockedThe province decides · RequiredYou are here

5. Receive a nomination

If the province selects you it issues a nomination certificate.

Waiting on: Register your interest with the province

Open this step

The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

Step 5 of 8 · RequiredClose

Receive a nomination

BlockedRequired

The authority on this stepImmigrate as a provincial nomineecanada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

If the province selects you it issues a nomination certificate. A nomination is not permanent residence and does not by itself let you enter Canada. It is the province telling IRCC that it wants you.

Why it's required: Nominations expire. Apply to IRCC inside the window the certificate sets, and expect IRCC's own admissibility checks after that.

Who issues itThe provinceOn its own timeline, which IRCC does not control.

It expiresWatch the dateApply to IRCC inside the window on the certificate.

Not PR yetA federal step followsIRCC decides permanent residence, not the province.

Before this step

BlockedRegister your interest with the province

Finishing this unlocks: Express Entry route: claim the 600 points, Non-Express Entry route: apply directly, Apply to IRCC for permanent residence