CHANGES TO PNP PR APPLICATIONS ASSESSMENT

New Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) regulatory changes take effect on March 30, 2026. Regulatory changes transfer authorities from IRCC to the provinces and territories to assess the ability to become economically established and intent to reside in jurisdiction that is nominating the nominee

For all PNP PR applications, PTs are solely responsible for assessing a candidate’s “ability to economically establish” and “intent to reside” as part of their nomination assessment.

A valid nomination is evidence that the PT has conducted its definitive assessment that the candidate has demonstrated their intent to reside in the nominating jurisdiction and a strong likelihood of becoming economically established in Canada.

A valid nomination certificate will serve as evidence of a candidate’s intent to reside and ability to be economically established. IRCC will not assess “intent to reside” or “economic establishment” factors

The officer’s assessment will focus solely on:

• verifying the applicant’s identify
• confirming that a valid nomination certificate is on file (that the certificate was not expired at the time IRCC received the permanent residence application), which is evidence that the nominating PT has determined that the applicant meets the eligibility criteria prescribed in the regulations

Officers do not have the authority to conduct a separate assessment of ability to be economically established and intent to reside in the PT, or to substitute the PT’s decision on these two criteria for their own assessment.

If officers find adverse information that may affect the nominee’s ability to meet the PNP’s eligibility criteria, they will consult the nominating PT before IRCC issues a decision

Source: Permanent Resident Programs | PNP [IRCC]