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 ProgramsApply for PRStep · of 8

BlockedOptionalYou are here

·. Non-Express Entry route: apply directly

On this route there is no Express Entry profile and no points score.

Waiting on: Receive a nomination

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 · of 8 · OptionalClose

Non-Express Entry route: apply directly

BlockedOptional

The authority on this stepPNP: the non-Express Entry processcanada.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

On this route there is no Express Entry profile and no points score. You apply to IRCC for permanent residence directly on the strength of the nomination, through the non-Express Entry process.

Why it's required: It's generally the slower of the two. It stays open to people who don't meet a federal program's minimums, which is exactly who it exists for.

No CRS scoreNomination onlyThere is no pool and no ranking on this route.

Processing timeCheck the toolUsually longer than the Express Entry route. IRCC publishes it live.

Documents you'll need

Your nomination certificate
The full federal permanent residence application package

Before this step

BlockedReceive a nomination

This is the last step of the pathway.