New PNP rules shift key assessment authority to provinces and territories

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program regulatory changes took effect on March 30, 2026, updating how applications are processed before permanent residence is granted. Under the new rules, provinces and territories assume expanded authority previously held by IRCC to assess whether nominees can become economically established and whether they intend to live in the nominating jurisdiction. IRCC says the guidance is posted as a courtesy to stakeholders and applies to both existing and new PNP applications currently with the department, affecting how membership in the class and required examinations are determined during processing.

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