Canada gives provinces more power in PNP decisions, i.e., Canada has made an important change to how Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applications are assessed. Provinces and territories now have more control over key parts of the decision process.

As of March 30, 2026, new rules have moved two major responsibilities from the federal government to provinces and territories (PTs).

From now on, PTs will be responsible for deciding:

  • Whether the candidate intends to live in the province or territory; and
  • Whether the candidate can successfully settle and support themselves economically in Canada.

These changes apply to both new and existing applications that have not yet passed the eligibility stage. It does not matter if the application was submitted before or after March 30, 2026.

This article explains the changes, how they affect applicants, and what role the federal government will continue to play.

So, without further ado, let us begin!

Impact On Applications Already Submitted

Applicants who submitted their PNP applications before March 30, 2026, may still be affected by the new rules.

If the application has not yet passed the eligibility stage, it will now be processed under the updated system.

This means federal officers will no longer check whether the applicant plans to live in the province or whether they can become economically established. These checks will now be done only by the province or territory.

A valid nomination certificate will be treated as proof that the province has already reviewed and approved these factors.

However, applications that have already passed the eligibility stage will continue under the old process and will not be affected.

Key Changes In The New Rules

Before this update, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officers had the authority to review two important factors, even after a province had issued a nomination.

These factors were:

  • The applicant’s intention to live in the nominating province; and
  • The applicant’s ability to become economically established in Canada.

This meant that even if a province approved a candidate, an IRCC officer could still disagree and refuse the application based on these points.

Under the new rules, this is no longer possible.

A valid nomination certificate now confirms that the province or territory has already assessed these factors. IRCC officers cannot re-check or override this decision.

This change gives provinces more control and reduces the chances of refusal due to different opinions between provincial and federal authorities.

What IRCC Will Still Check?

Even though some responsibilities have shifted, IRCC still plays an important role in processing PNP applications.

For base PNP applicants, IRCC will continue to:

  • Verify the applicant’s identity
  • Confirm that a valid nomination certificate is submitted
  • Ensure the applicant is not excluded from the PNP category (for example, due to certain investment-based programs)
  • Check admissibility, including criminal, security, health, and financial factors.

For enhanced PNP applicants (those applying through Express Entry), IRCC will check all of the above and also:

Enhanced applicants must meet these requirements at three stages:

  • When they enter the Express Entry pool
  • When they receive an invitation to apply (ITA)
  • When they submit their permanent residence (PR) application

What Happens If Concerns Are Found?

If IRCC finds information that raises concerns about an applicant’s intent to live in a province or their ability to settle economically, it cannot refuse the application on its own.

Instead, IRCC must contact the nominating province or territory and share the concerns.

The province or territory will then review the case and make a final decision. They are given 60 to 90 days, depending on their agreement with the federal government.

If the province decides to withdraw the nomination, IRCC will refuse the application.

If the province keeps the nomination and there are no other issues related to admissibility, the application process will continue.

This process also applies when applicants arrive at a port of entry. Officers there cannot make decisions about intent to live or economic establishment.

What This Means For PNP Applicants?

These changes place more responsibility on provinces and territories.

Applicants can expect provinces to take a closer look at their plans and ability to settle before issuing a nomination.

Once a nomination is granted, it carries more weight than before. IRCC cannot question the province’s decision on these two factors.

This may reduce the risk of refusal at the federal stage for reasons related to intent or economic ability.

However, it also means that the provincial stage becomes more important. Applicants must provide strong and clear information when applying to a province.

How To Show Intent To Live In A Province?

Since provinces now make the final decision on intent to reside, applicants should provide clear proof of their plans.

Common ways to show this include:

  • Having a valid job offer in the province
  • Having family members living there
  • Previous work or study experience in the province
  • Living in the province before on a work or study permit
  • Showing knowledge of the local community and lifestyle

Each province may have its own rules, so applicants should carefully check the specific requirements.

How To Show Ability To Settle Economically?

Applicants must also prove they can support themselves and succeed in the local job market.

Common ways to show this include:

  • A job offer in a high-demand field
  • Work experience that matches the job market
  • Good language skills in English or French
  • Education that fits the province’s needs
  • Enough savings to support initial settlement

Each province may give more importance to certain factors than others.

Applicants should review the details of their chosen PNP stream and prepare documents carefully.

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