PNP vs Express Entry – Which Canada PR Route is Best for You?

Introduction

Immigrating to Canada is an aspiration for many professionals, students, and workers across the globe. With a strong job market, world-class healthcare system, a high standard of living, and immigrant-friendly policies, Canada is among the world’s best destinations for acquiring permanent residency (PR). On the other hand, its immigration system can be really complex, especially with the choice between the two most popular PR pathways, Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Both Express Entry and PNP have unique strengths, but apply to different types of applicants and have distinct processes for selection. Unlike PNPs, which allow individual provinces and territories to nominate candidates based on local economic priorities and labor market needs, Express Entry is a federal immigration system that selects skilled workers through a point system known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). If you want to enhance the chances of successfully obtaining Canadian PR, it is important to understand how each system operates and determine which one is more suited to your personal situation.

As a result of the recent changes to Canada’s immigration policy, Express Entry and PNP pathways have seen a record surge in immigrants in the past couple of years. They continue to rise in popularity as competition increases. If you are someone with a recently earned degree from overseas, a high CRS score, or a job offer from a Canadian company, you might be asking yourself:

Which route offers a better opportunity?

Should I wait to receive an invite to apply through Express Entry, or should I proactively seek out a province with a focused PNP stream?

This blog will provide you with a detailed analysis of both Express Entry and PNP so that a better decision can be made tailored for your needs. We will evaluate each of these strategies regarding:

• Eligibility criteria
• Application steps
• Duration of processing time
• Cost
• Impact of the CRS score
• Suitability of the program for particular applicant types (e.g., students, skilled workers, candidates with lower CRS scores)

We will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each system, devise real-life case studies, and provide tactical advice aimed at maximizing your prospects of success — be it from abroad or residing in Canada. This is specially tailored for prospective applicants in 2024-2025 as we incorporate the latest developments on Canadian immigration policies along with the updates from IRCC.

Upon completing this reading exercise, you will have your answer to the question: “PNP vs Express Entry – Which Canada PR route is best for you?” Let's systematically break down the systems so that you are better prepared to take the next step towards Canadian permanent residency.

1. What is Canada Express Entry?

How Does Express Entry Function?

The Canada Express Entry system is operated by IRCC and is organized under a points-based immigration framework that came into effect in 2015. It aims to improve the management and organization of skilled workers seeking permanent residency through a more orderly system. Instead of a visa program, Express Entry serves as a system to manage three economic immigration streams for filing applications.

Basic eligibility requirements allow candidates to set up a profile which places them in the Express Entry pool, where they compete with others on a ranking system tied to a score calculated using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

After submitting a profile, candidates await the invitation rounds (Express Entry draws) to invite them to apply for permanent residency, known as an Invitation to Apply (ITA). The draws happen every two weeks and the profiles with the highest marks in the pool are selected. Candidates who receive an ITA are required to submit complete PR applications within 60 days.

The process is fully online and integrated, and the IRCC’s standard duration for application processing is within six months or less from the submission date—this makes it one of the quickest options for attaining Canadian permanent residency.

Express Entry is advantageous due to its flexibility and transparency. Candidates in the pool can improve their CRS score by obtaining Canadian job offers, advancing their education, or retaking language proficiency tests to enhance their scores.

Programs Under the Express Entry System

Each of the three categories within the Express Entry system targets a distinct group of skilled immigrants:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled workers with at least one continuous year of work experience in an eligible occupation. Higher education and strong language skills are major assets.
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Focuses on hands-on occupations such as plumbing, welding, and electrical work. Requires either a valid job offer or certification from a Canadian authority.
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For candidates who have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years. Ideal for graduates and temporary foreign workers.

All eligible candidates from these programs are entered into the same Express Entry pool and ranked using the CRS system.

What Is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and How Does It Work?

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the heart of the Express Entry system. It evaluates all candidates based on various human capital factors through a points-based structure. The maximum possible CRS score is 1200, divided into the following categories:

• Core Human Capital Factors: Age, education, language ability (English/French), and work experience.
• Spouse/Common-law Partner Factors: Education, language ability, and work experience, if applicable.
• Skill Transferability Factors: Combinations of skills, such as education and work experience, that enhance economic success potential.
• Additional Points: Includes provincial nominations (600 points), valid Canadian job offers, Canadian educational credentials, and French language proficiency.

Having a high CRS score greatly increases the chances of receiving an ITA. Understanding how the system works and implementing strategic improvements can significantly boost your Express Entry profile.

2. What is Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

Intro to PNP and Its Goals

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a crucial aspect of Canada’s immigration framework, designed to meet the specific labor market requirements of each province and territory. In contrast to the federal Express Entry system, which is administered by the central government, PNP facilitates the selection of immigrants by individual provinces and territories based on their economic needs and demographic concerns.

The goal of the PNP is to ensure that the advantages arising from immigration are not concentrated in a few areas but are distributed more proportionately throughout Canada. For example, large cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal receive most newcomers, while smaller provinces struggle with labor shortages and declining populations. These underpopulated regions can directly nominate immigrants who have the skills, education, and work experience required to strengthen their economy.

Every province has its own PNP with several immigration streams, except Quebec, which has its own selection system. These streams often focus on specific sectors like healthcare, technology, agriculture, or construction, depending on the province's strategic objectives. Provincial nominations demonstrate that the candidate is of considerable importance to that region, and in most cases, they are guaranteed an invitation to apply for Canadian PR, which is typically linked to the Express Entry system.

Types of PNP Streams (Base vs. Enhanced)

Depending on their connection to the federal immigration system, PNPs are broadly divided into two categories: Base streams and Enhanced streams.

1. Base PNP Streams

These streams are not aligned with the Express Entry system. Candidates apply directly to the province and, if selected, obtain a base nomination certificate. After receiving the nomination, they are required to submit a paper-based PR application to IRCC. While these applications take longer (typically 18 to 24 months), they work for candidates who do not fulfill Express Entry criteria, such as lower language scores, older age, or specific provincial work experience.

2. Enhanced PNP Streams

Enhanced PNP streams are directly linked to the Express Entry system. Candidates must have an active Express Entry profile to be eligible. Upon nomination, they receive an additional 600 CRS points, which almost guarantees an ITA in the subsequent draw. Enhanced streams are faster since the PR application is processed through Express Entry, which has an average processing time of 6 months.

Some provinces send out Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to Express Entry candidates who meet specific criteria, while others allow candidates to apply for a nomination, which can then be linked to their Express Entry profile.

How PNP Works With Express Entry

The combination of the PNP and Express Entry increases flexibility for candidates while considerably streamlining the process for obtaining permanent residency. Here’s how it works:

• Candidates create an Express Entry profile and enter the federal pool.
• Provinces monitor the federal pool’s Express Entry and shortlist candidates based on the region’s labor market demands.
• If a province issues a Notification of Interest (NOI), the candidate is eligible to apply for a provincial nomination.
• After nomination, the candidate is awarded 600 CRS points, elevating them to the top tier of the pool.
• In the subsequent Express Entry draws, the candidate is almost certain to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

This linkage provides a combined pathway that synergizes the provincial focus of the PNP with the speed of Express Entry. For many candidates, especially those with moderate CRS scores, this integrated solution is the most effective way to secure Canadian PR.

3. Key Differences Between PNP and Express Entry

Federal vs Provincial Control

The most obvious difference between Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is how the selection process is administered. Canada’s Express Entry is managed at the federal level by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Federal Express Entry controls grant skilled immigrants admission into Canada through a merit-based immigration system using a points ranking system.

On the other hand, PNP is driven by the provinces. All provinces and territories, excluding Quebec and Nunavut, control their own immigration streams under agreements with the federal government. These streams allow provinces to select immigrants who can meet the settlement and regional employment market requirements. While IRCC has authority over all permanent residency applications, a provincial nomination significantly enhances the chances of a successful application.

The difference in structure leads to a difference in selection methods. Provincial systems address local needs, such as Saskatchewan’s demand for agricultural workers, Ontario's focus on the technology sector, or Nova Scotia’s shortage of doctors. In contrast, the federal system focuses on fulfilling national economic goals.

Protocols and Policies of Selection

For eligibility in the Express Entry subclass programs, factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, job offers, and adaptability are considered under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS score determines whether candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in frequent draws.

In comparison, PNP criteria differ greatly by region and stream within each province. For example:

• Alberta may prioritize applicants with provincial connections.
• British Columbia supports applicants in healthcare or technology sectors.
• Some PNP streams require a job offer, others focus on international students, while others target low-skilled or semi-skilled positions that are not considered by Express Entry.

Regarding the application process:

• In Express Entry, candidates submit a profile online and are automatically selected if their CRS score meets the required criteria during a draw.
• In PNP, candidates can either wait for a Notification of Interest (NOI) and apply to a province or apply directly to a province and submit a separate nomination application before applying for PR.

4. Eligibility Requirements: PNP vs Express Entry

Prerequisites For Express Entry Application

The Express Entry system operates under three primary immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). All of these have minimum eligibility standards, but candidates must meet the primary conditions before entering the Express Entry pool.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) minimum requirements:

• Full-time work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) for at least one year in the last decade.
• Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or above in English or French.
• A high school diploma or higher (Canadian or equivalent).
• Reasonable documentation for settlement funds (if not employed in Canada).
• A score of no less than 67 points out of 100 on the FSW selection grid (this is different from the CRS score).

For Canadian Experience Class (CEC): the prerequisites include at least one year of Canadian work experience in a skilled job within the last three years and language benchmarks (CLB 5 or 7, depending on the job type).

For Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): the requirement is two years of skilled trade experience along with a valid job offer or qualification certificate.

Eligibility Criteria for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The PNP eligibility requirements vary widely as they are tailored to meet specific economic goals, job market demands, and the strategic objectives of each province. However, there are some common baseline criteria across many PNP streams:

• Job offer from an employer based in the province (for employer-driven streams).
• Work experience in an Occupation In-Demand designated by the province.
• A minimum language ability targeted by the stream (typically CLB 4-7).
• Credentials and educational background relevant to the field.
• Previous study or work experience in the province or family members living there, demonstrating ties to the province.
• Willingness to live and work in the nominating province.

Important Differences in Eligibility Criteria

Both programs target skilled and flexible immigrants, but the eligibility criteria differ greatly:

• Express Entry favors high-scoring candidates with strong educational backgrounds, international work experience, and relevant language skills. The system is highly competitive, often favoring younger applicants with higher CRS scores.
• PNP, on the other hand, offers various streams for mid-range or lower-skilled candidates, especially those with local connections, including those already residing in Canada. Some streams also target business investors, agricultural workers, or graduates from local institutions—categories not typically covered by Express Entry.

5. Application Process Comparison

Step-by-Step Process for Express Entry

Express Entry is popular among applicants due to the speed, digitization, and efficiency with which applications are processed. It is organized in a way that is less complicated for skilled laborers seeking to immigrate to Canada. Here is a systematic guide:

1. Ensure that you meet the basic requirements: Before checking your eligibility, make sure that you meet the requirements for one of the following programs: FSWP, CEC, or FSTP, along with the criteria needed for applying.
2. Collect Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TCF), ECA (Educational Credential Assessment), passport, and any documents that prove settlement funds.
3. Create An Account in the Express Entry System: Submit an online profile containing details about your education, work experience, language fluency, and other relevant information. This is also when your CRS score will be calculated.
4. Enter the Express Entry Pool: Once your profile is accepted, it will move to the pool where it will compete against other profiles.
5. Wait for Invitation to Apply (ITA): After accumulating sufficient CRS points in an Express Entry draw, you will automatically receive an ITA for permanent residency.
6. Submit Your PR Application: After receiving the ITA, ensure you submit your application within the 60-day limit, including police reports, medical examinations, work experience, and other relevant documents to prove your identity.
7. Obtain Decision: If everything is in order, you will receive confirmation of permanent residence (COPR), typically within 6 months of submission.

The economy class silos—Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Provincial Nominees Program (PNP)—each have designated representatives handling specific categories. Similarly, Family Class applications are managed by a single representative who handles all aspects of the application for the family.

The system operates entirely online, with most updates and interactions taking place via your IRCC account.

Which One Is More Convenient?

In most cases, the process under Express Entry is clear-cut and fast, especially for candidates with high CRS scores. It involves fewer stages, no provincial involvement, and a fully digital interface, making it faster than other options.

On the other hand, PNP provides more options but adds another layer to the process. First, you need to apply to the province before the federal government, which can lengthen processing time due to varying provincial requirements. However, PNP is often the most suitable pathway for candidates with lower CRS scores, those with connections to a province, or those whose skills are in demand in specific regions.

To conclude:

• If you possess a competitive CRS score, opt for Express Entry if you prefer speed and ease of use.
• If you want to increase your chances through a provincial nomination or prefer settling in a particular province, choose PNP.

6. Processing Times: Which is Faster?

Time Frame for Processing Express Entry Applications

The quick processing time is one of the advantages (or cons) of Express Entry. After receiving the ‘Invitation to Apply’ (ITA) and submitting the permanent residence (PR) application, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes the application in under 6 months.

The approximate time for each step is as follows:

• Profile Creation and Entry into the Pool: Immediately after submitting your profile online.
• Waiting for ITA: This depends on the current draw trends and your CRS score — it can take a few days to several months.
• PR Application Submission: Once invited, you’re given 60 days to submit your complete application.
• Submission Time Frame: Usually 6 months or less, given that all required documents are prepared and there are no complications.

Due to these steps, Express Entry has emerged as one of the fastest immigration systems globally. It is most efficient for applicants with higher CRS scores or those who receive a ‘provincial nomination’ through an enhanced PNP stream, as these applicants also go through Express Entry.

PNP Processing Time

The processing time under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) depends on two main variables:

1. Stream Type (Base or Enhanced)
2. Individual Province’s Processing Capability

Here’s an overview:

• Base PNP Streams: These streams are not linked with Express Entry. Once you receive the nomination, you are responsible for submitting a paper-based PR application to IRCC. Processing by the immigration office can take anywhere from 18 to 24 months, depending on the workload and their processes.
• Enhanced PNP Streams: These streams are aligned with Express Entry. Upon receiving the provincial nomination, candidates are granted an additional 600 CRS points, which significantly increases their chances of receiving an ITA. This allows them to apply online for PR through Express Entry. The processing period for these streams is approximately six months after submitting the full PR application.

However, these candidates must first complete the following steps before reaching PR:

• Submit the nomination application to the province.
• Wait for the province to conduct their processing (usually 2 to 8 months depending on the province).

For instance:

• Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream has a nomination timeframe of 60 - 90 days.
• Nominations under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program are processed within 2 to 4 months.
• Due to lower application volumes, smaller provinces such as Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick may process applications at a faster pace.

Which Program is Faster Overall?

Express Entry, especially without a PNP nomination, is the undisputed champion when it comes to speed. A direct Express Entry application will take about six to eight months in total, from profile creation to receipt of the confirmation of permanent residence (COPR).

With PNP, however, the timeframe ranges from twelve to twenty-four months, particularly if you’re going through a base stream. Even enhanced PNPs, while being the fastest option, involve an additional step—the provincial nomination—which delays the submission of the final PR application.

If time is of the essence and you possess a strong profile with a high CRS score, Express Entry is the preferred choice. However, if your CRS score is low, the PNP route might take longer but it significantly increases your chances of receiving a PR invitation.

7. Job Offers and CRS Score Impact

Job Offers and Express Entry Integrations

An individual’s ITA eligibility under the Express Entry system can get a major boost by possessing a valid job offer. However, it’s important to note that a valid Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is essential—without it, an ITA is not guaranteed. Below, we elaborate on how a job offer affects the CRS score:

• Without a Job Offer: Not having a job offer does not disqualify you from Express Entry. Your individual CRS score will be based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, and your ability to adapt. Applicants without a job offer will likely depend on earning high points under CRS to be selected for an ITA.
• With a Job Offer: A legitimate job offer from a Canadian skilled employer (NOC 0, A, or B) can increase your CRS score by anywhere between 50 to 200 points, depending on the type of job offer. Here’s how it works:

Job Offers and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offers another opportunity to impact your job offer, though it varies by stream and province. Certain PNP streams are created to target candidates with specific skill sets or job offers in demand within particular provinces.

• Employer-Driven Streams: A majority of PNP streams require proof of a job offer from a Canadian employer in the province that is proposing the nomination. Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are examples of provinces with employer-driven streams where having a job offer from a principal employer significantly enhances the chance for nomination.
• Saskatchewan’s International Skilled Worker – Employment Offer Stream: This stream allows candidates without a job offer to still qualify. However, those with a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer have a higher probability of receiving a nomination.
• Ontario’s Employer Job Offer Stream: Candidates must have a job offer for full-time and permanent employment in Ontario to be nominated.

What If One Already Has a Job Offer?

Having a job offer is advantageous for applicants in both the International Skilled Worker and Express Entry categories as it boosts their chances of receiving a PNP nomination. Here’s how:

• Express Entry: If you are eligible for Express Entry, having a job offer can significantly improve your CRS score, thus increasing your chances of receiving an ITA. Ensure that the job offer is full-time and skilled to meet the requirements to earn additional CRS points.
• PNP: Certain PNP streams are tailored to candidates with job offers, especially in regions where specific skills are in high demand. A job offer can secure your nomination, thereby improving your chances of obtaining permanent residency.

Job Offers With Low CRS Scores

Having a job offer can be particularly meaningful if your CRS score is low. While a job offer alone does not guarantee a provincial nomination or ITA, it does increase your chances of being selected by either boosting your CRS score in Express Entry or qualifying you for specific employer-driven PNP streams.

For candidates with lower CRS scores, applying through a PNP with a job offer is a reasonable alternative. Some provinces prioritize candidates with local job offers, even if their CRS scores do not meet the threshold required for Express Entry.

8. Which Immigration Program is Best for You?

How to Choose A Canadian Immigration Program

Every immigration program in Canada must be tailored to an individual’s specific needs. These needs could include skills, work experience, education, personal interests, and more. Both Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offer great opportunities for attaining permanent residency, but each comes with its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. Understanding these differences will help you make the right choice based on your profile.

Considerations When Comparing Express Entry and PNP

• Your CRS Score and Eligibility: Express Entry is ideal for skilled workers with a high CRS score. Express Entry evaluates candidates using a ranking system that considers age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. A high CRS score gives you a better chance of receiving an ITA for permanent residency. If your CRS score is on the lower end, however, you might want to consider the PNP. A provincial nomination through the PNP can boost your CRS score by 600 points, increasing your chances of receiving an ITA.
• Canadian Work Experience and Job Offers: If you already have a job offer from a Canadian employer, exploring the PNP might be beneficial. Several provinces have streams focused on candidates with job offers, easing the process of receiving a provincial nomination. However, if you have Canadian work experience or have studied in Canada, the Express Entry system might be more suitable, especially through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream. Without a job offer or Canadian work experience, reconsidering your qualifications or looking into provincial programs without a job offer may be necessary.
• The Specific Area in Canada You Wish to Live: If you have a specific area in Canada where you plan to live and work, the PNP could be your best route. Each province in Canada has its own labor market needs, and many offer specific streams to attract people with certain skills. For instance, if you are looking to settle in Ontario, British Columbia, or Alberta, the PNP will provide pathways that match the province’s labor market needs. On the other hand, if you wish to settle anywhere in Canada, Express Entry offers more flexibility and doesn’t require a provincial nomination.
• Time Taken to Complete the Application: Express Entry is often faster in terms of processing times. Once you receive an ITA, the wait time is generally around 6 months. If time is a priority, Express Entry may be the best choice. The PNP process, particularly through base PNP streams, takes longer due to the provincial nomination process. However, enhanced PNP streams linked to Express Entry offer quicker processing times.
• Long-Term Prospects: When looking for long-term settlement opportunities in Canada, consider programs with more flexibility. Express Entry allows quicker permanent residency but doesn’t bind you to a particular province. PNP nominees, however, are often required to stay in the province that nominated them, which may limit mobility.
• International Students and Graduates: For international students who have graduated from a Canadian institution, both Express Entry and PNP offer great opportunities. Express Entry is more beneficial for graduates with Canadian work experience or postgraduate degrees. Many provinces also have specific PNP streams for overseas graduates, especially if they have employment within the province or plan to settle there after completing their studies.

Which Program is Best for You?

• Express Entry: For skilled, young professionals with high qualifications and work experience, Express Entry is the fastest and most accessible route to permanent residency, especially for those with higher CRS scores. If your CRS score is on the lower side, or if you possess skills in demand in a particular province, the PNP might be more suitable. A provincial nomination can boost your CRS score, helping you become a candidate for the next Express Entry draw.
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): The PNP is ideal for candidates with lower CRS scores or those with specific skills that are in demand in a certain province. If you lack a job offer or Canadian work experience, the PNP can still be a good option, especially if you have skills that match the province's labor market needs.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): If you’ve studied in Canada and gained work experience, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream under Express Entry is suitable for you. It requires work experience or strong language skills, offering an ideal route for those who have already started their professional journey in Canada.

Our expert team is ready to help you find the best immigration path, guiding you every step of the way. Ready to start your journey to Canada? Let’s make it happen together! Visit our website today and take the first step toward your new future!

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