Maple News reports that while receiving a provincial nomination through Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) can be a powerful advantage on the path toward permanent residence, it’s important for candidates to understand that such nominations can be revoked or withdrawn by the issuing province or territory under certain conditions.
The PNP is one of Canada’s most impactful immigration streams, with 11 provinces and territories (excluding Quebec and Nunavut) offering programs tailored to regional labor market and demographic needs. In recent years, PNPs have overtaken other streams in terms of admissions volume, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) projects PNPs will regain the top spot in 2025 and 2026 after a brief return of Express Entry to the lead in 2024.
A PNP nomination can significantly enhance an applicant’s chances of obtaining permanent residence. Those already in the Express Entry pool who receive a provincial nomination gain an automatic 600 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), nearly guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency.
However, provinces have the right to cancel a nomination if the candidate no longer meets the eligibility criteria. This can occur at any time before an applicant is granted permanent residence status. Common reasons for cancellation include losing the job offer that led to the nomination, failure to maintain the financial criteria required for the nomination stream, or misrepresentation of information.
Provincial authorities refer to this process using terms like “revoked,” “withdrawn,” or “cancelled,” depending on the case. While this is rare for candidates who continue to meet their obligations, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong communication with the provincial immigration office and keeping one’s documents and qualifications up to date.
Candidates should also be aware that the cancellation of a nomination can impact their standing in the federal immigration system, particularly if they have an active Express Entry profile. In the absence of the 600 bonus CRS points, their likelihood of receiving an ITA could drop significantly, depending on the current draw thresholds.
To maintain PNP eligibility, applicants must comply with the specific conditions of their province’s nomination stream. This often includes demonstrating a genuine intention to live and work in the nominating province, upholding the validity of job offers or business plans, and ensuring financial preparedness for settlement.
Maple News recommends that potential immigrants monitor provincial communications and seek legal or professional advice if there is concern about nomination status. PNPs remain a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration landscape, and informed applicants are best positioned for success.