Nunavut Has No PNP — Federal Pathways Explained
Nunavut does not operate a Provincial Nominee Program. IRCC's own 'Immigrate as a provincial nominee' page states: 'Quebec and Nunavut don't have programs.' Anyone who wants to live in Nunavut must qualify through a federal permanent-residence program — most commonly Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades) — since permanent residents may live anywhere in Canada, including Nunavut.
Nunavut currently has no Provincial Nominee Program at all — not a closed or paused one, simply none. This page covers the federal pathways that apply instead, sourced from IRCC and the Government of Nunavut.
Last verified: · Sources: IRCC
What changed in 2026
No change. As of October 10, 2026, Nunavut still has no Provincial Nominee Program and no announced pilot or allocation; IRCC's live page continues to state that Quebec and Nunavut are the only two jurisdictions without one.
2026 nomination allocation
—
Last verified:
How to apply
- 1. Choose a federal pathway: Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades), family sponsorship, or another federal immigration class — there is no territorial nomination available for Nunavut.
- 2. Check eligibility and apply directly to IRCC; the Government of Nunavut has no application or nomination step.
- 3. Once you are a permanent resident, you may settle in Nunavut; the Government of Nunavut says PRs are entitled to free settlement-process services.
- 4. To work in Nunavut before PR, a Nunavut employer may hire you on a federal work permit (LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt); any later PR application still goes through federal programs only.
Official links
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nunavut have a Provincial Nominee Program?
No. IRCC's provincial-nominee page explicitly states 'Quebec and Nunavut don't have programs.' There is no Nunavut-specific nomination, points grid, or EOI system.
Can I move to Nunavut after getting permanent residence elsewhere in Canada?
Yes. Permanent residents can live anywhere in Canada, including Nunavut, regardless of which program they used to get PR.
Are there any federal pilot programs specific to Nunavut communities?
No. Neither the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (14 participating communities) nor the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (6 participating communities) includes a Nunavut community.
What is the best federal pathway for someone who wants to work in Nunavut?
A Nunavut employer can hire a foreign worker on a federal work permit (LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt). That work experience may later support a federal PR pathway such as the Canadian Experience Class, but there is no territorial nomination step to speed this up.
Find a licensed immigration consultant
Browse RCIC-licensed consultants who can help with this pathway.
Browse consultantsPlanning your move?
Check our settlement guides for health cards and driving rules by province.
Sources
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/provincial-nominees.html
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/rural-franco-pilots.html
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry.html
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240817055650/https://www.gov.nu.ca/en/immigration/immigrate-nunavut
Always verify information with official IRCC sources. Processing times and program requirements can change without notice.
This guide provides informational guidance only — it is not legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently. Always verify with IRCC or a licensed RCIC/immigration lawyer. Processing times, draw scores, and program availability can change without notice.