Dreaming of moving to Canada with your family but worried about hefty immigration costs? Great news—not all Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) charge an application fee, and in 2025, several Canadian provinces and territories are still offering free-to-apply immigration streams!
These fee-free PNPs can significantly reduce the overall cost of your immigration journey—making it easier to plan your move, support your family, and start a new chapter in Canada.
What Are PNPs and Why Are They Important?
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow provinces and territories to nominate skilled foreign workers based on local labor market needs. If nominated, you can apply for permanent residence (PR) through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Some PNPs charge up to $2,000 CAD per application—but luckily, others charge nothing at all.
Provinces & Territories with No Application Fees for PNPs (2025)
Here’s a curated list of PNPs that do not charge any provincial application fees as of 2025, helping you save big:
1# Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
- No application fee
- Employer-driven streams such as:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream
- Rural Renewal Stream
- Alberta Express Entry
-
Family members can be included in your PR application.
Apply: https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-advantage-immigration-program.
2# Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
- Completely free to apply
- Streams include:
- Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry
- Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
- Occupations in Demand
- Labour Market Priorities
- Ideal for healthcare workers, educators, and early-career professionals.
Apply: https://liveinnovascotia.com/nova-scotia-nominee-program.
3# Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
- No fee required
- Streams:
- Skilled Worker
- Priority Skills NL
- International Graduate
- Welcoming tech talent and healthcare professionals.
4# Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
- No cost to apply
- Streams:
- Yukon Express Entry
- Skilled Worker
- Critical Impact Worker
- Yukon Community Program (2025 pilot)
- Employer-driven model; ideal for those with job offers in the Yukon.
Apply: https://yukon.ca/en/immigrate-yukon.
5# Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
- Free application
- Streams:
- NWT Express Entry
- Skilled Worker
- Entry-Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations
- Employers submit applications on behalf of nominees.
Apply: https://www.immigratenwt.ca/
Why This Matters for Families?
If you’re applying for any of these Canadian PNPs in 2025 with your spouse or children, every dollar saved helps. Application fees can quickly stack up when applying as a family—choosing a fee-free PNP program allows you to allocate funds toward:
- Medical exams
- Proof of settlement funds
- Travel and accommodation
- Post-arrival costs (e.g., housing, groceries, transportation).
PNPs with No Application Fee VS Those With High Fees
Following is the quick table including comparison of Canadian PNP programs with application fees to that of without application fees for 2025:
| Province/Territory | Application Fee (CAD$) | Free for Families? |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta (AAIP) | $0 | ✅ Yes |
| Nova Scotia (NSNP) | $0 | ✅ Yes |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $0 | ✅ Yes |
| Yukon | $0 | ✅ Yes |
| Northwest Territories | $0 | ✅ Yes |
| Ontario (OINP) | $1,500 – $2,000 | ❌ |
| British Columbia (BC PNP) | $1,150 – $1,475 | ❌ |
| Manitoba (MPNP) | $500 | ❌ |
| Saskatchewan (SINP) | $350 | ❌ |
| New Brunswick (NBPNP) | $250 | ❌ |
| PEI (PEI PNP) | $300 | ❌ |
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada in 2025, applying through a PNP with no application fee can be a smart financial decision—especially when moving with family.
Not only do these provinces offer a fast track to PR, but they also help you keep more money in your pocket for what matters most: building your new life in Canada.
Ready to get started?
✅ Research each province’s requirements
✅ Check job offers or employer support
✅ Prepare your documents and plan your settlement fund.