Are you among those whose dream is to live and work in Canada? Are you currently living in Canada and you want to bring your family to Canada but are concerned about the high expense of immigration? There is good news for you, as several Canadian provinces and territories still provide free-to-apply immigration streams in 2025, and not all Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) require an application cost. Let’s quickly look at these Canada provincial nominee programs and how to apply for them.
About Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) In Canada
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) permit provinces and territories to propose qualified (skilled) foreign workers under the demands of the local labor market, by allowing them to nominate foreign workers for permanent residency. These programs provide a pathway for skilled and educated individuals to immigrate to Canada, particularly in areas facing workforce shortages. The program is run by the governments of each province and Canada. You can apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence (PR) if you are nominated.
Fortunately, some PNPs charge nothing at all for the application, but others charge up to $2,000 CAD per application. Only Successful applicants who receive a provincial nomination are then eligible to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Nominees must have skills to fill job shortages or be planning to buy or start a business in the province. Those already living in Canada must also be able to provide for their families.
PNPs in Provinces and Territories Without Application Fees (2025)
To help you save a lot of money, the following carefully curated list of PNPs does not charge any provincial application fees as of 2025:
| # | Program Name | Application Fee | Key Streams | Ideal For | Notable Features | Apply Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) | Free | – Alberta Opportunity Stream – Rural Renewal Stream – Alberta Express Entry |
Skilled workers with employer support | – Employer-driven – PR includes family members |
Apply Here |
| 2 | Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) | Free | – Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry – Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry – Occupations in Demand – Labour Market Priorities |
Healthcare, educators, early-career professionals | – Express Entry aligned – Multiple priority occupations |
Apply Here |
| 3 | Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) | Free | – Skilled Worker – Priority Skills NL – International Graduate |
Tech and healthcare professionals | – Friendly to newcomers – Supports international graduates |
Apply Here |
| 4 | Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) | Free | – Yukon Express Entry – Skilled Worker – Critical Impact Worker – Yukon Community Program (2025 pilot) |
Job seekers with Yukon offers | – Employer-driven – Community support via pilot |
Apply Here |
| 5 | Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) | Free | – NWT Express Entry – Skilled Worker – Entry-Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations |
Applicants with job offers | – Employer must apply – Covers various skill levels |
Apply Here |
Why Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) Are Important for Families?
If you’re applying for any of those above listed Canadian PNPs in 2025, with your spouse or kids, application will be free and that saves you some dollar. Except the above listed provinces and territories, when applying as a family, application expenses can add up quickly. But by selecting a PNP program that doesn’t charge fees, you can use the money for:
- Medical exams
- Proof of settlement funds
- Travel and accommodation
- Post-arrival costs (e.g., housing, groceries, transportation).
In Conclusion
Applying through a PNP with no application fee can be a wise financial move if you intend to immigrate to Canada in 2025, particularly if you’re relocating with family.
These provinces not only provide a quick route to permanent residence, but they also help you save more money for the important things starting a new life in Canada.
Are you prepared to start?
- Find out what each province needs.
- Examine employment offers or employer assistance.
- Get your paperwork ready and budget for the settlement.
The total cost of your immigration trip can be greatly decreased by using these fee-free PNPs, which will make it simpler to organize your relocation, provide for your family, and begin a new chapter in Canada. Thanks to AfterschoolAfrica.
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