Difference Between Express Entry and PNP
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Canada has been one of the most desired countries for expats planning to immigrate. But do you know which could be the best economic immigration gateways and the difference between Express Entry and PNP?
Canada is the friendliest immigration destination country for many aspiring students and working professionals, as a result of its various and unmatched benefit factors like, free public healthcare, top notch and exceptional education, diversity, job opportunities, diversity, safety, and the list is long for all to be named.
The Canadian Visa process if not proceeded with the knowledge of the know – hows and right guidance, the applicant might not feel too enthusiastic. Therefore, moving further let us learn in depth about the different immigration gateways for expats and which could be the best suitable for you.
Ways to Immigrate to Canada?
When it comes to immigrating to Canada, the commonly heard gateway for the economic class is the Express Entry System and the other infamous way being the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Before we dive into the difference and the various factors under the heads, let us briefly understand the terms, application process requirements and the immigration options available under each gateway choice.
Express Entry System
The Express Entry is the easiest and popular way to Canada PR for immigrants willing to pursue new life in the country. Canada Government has been regularly modifying and relaxing the Express Entry system rules to not only meet the skilled labor scarcity in the country but also to make the visa process easier and friendly for aspiring foreign skilled workforce.
The different programs under the Express Entry are:
1. Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP)
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Under this System the applicant is allotted points, based on criteria i.e. age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. The applicant is ranked based on his or her CRS score. Regular draws are conducted, where the applicants with above CRS score cut-off are qualified to the draw. The best part about this system is that within the 6 months’ time you are ready to fly to an aspiring country to live your new life.
Provincial Nominee Program
The PNP is an agreement held between the Canadian Government and local provinces, allowing 11 out of 13 Canada’s provinces to nominate international candidates with job offers for PR. The set of requirements is unique or specific to individual provinces and regulated by their own immigration program.
There are however two methods under this pathway
1. Express Entry Method
2. Non – Express Entry Method
Before applying the applicants need to ensure the listing of their chosen province in the National Occupation Classification (NOC) and the details of their in-demand jobs and cases (if) job offers are not necessary. There are over 60 categories, subcategories and streams available for applicants to choose from, and if you are successful in eligibility then you can go ahead with the PR application. A few of the most popular PNP’s are
1. Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
2. Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
3. Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
4. British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
Application Costs
1. Under Express Entry Program
On receiving the Invitation to Apply, the applicant needs to pay the visa application cost and these costs are non-refundable.
- Single Applicant – CAD $1365 ($815 for application processing fee + $515 for right to permanent residence fee)
- For Secondary Applicant (in case of spouse) – CAD $1365 addition to Primary Applicant fee CAD $1365
- Dependent Child – CAD $230 per child
2. Under Provincial Nominee Program
Under this program the applicant makes payment consisting of Provincial Application Fee and Federal Government Fee, that averages around CAD $1500 based on the province and the stream chosen in the province.
Express Entry vs PNP
Now that we have an overview of the pathways to immigrate to Canada, moving further it is important to understand what are the major differences between the either of the programs for us to learn the best suggestive among the both based on the differentiators.
| Factor | Express Entry Program | Provincial Nominee Program |
|---|---|---|
| Application Requirements |
For different programs under the Express Entry, it is mandatory to at least score 67 out of 100 based on the factors
|
No minimum CRS score requirement. A job offer is required unless the applicant’s occupation appears on the NOC list of in-demand jobs. |
| Application Process |
The application flow under Express Entry System includes:
|
The application process under PNP can be carried out in 2 ways, namely:
1. Non – Express Entry Method: under this method you can apply directly by submitting your “Expression of Interest”. 2. Express Entry Method: under this method you need to create an Express Entry profile and select your province of interest. You can opt for direct application or wait for the “Notification of Interest” from the province. |
| Application Notification | If accepted by the province you would receive a “Letter of Nomination” from it. | Upon acceptance you would receive a “Letter of Nomination” from the province and also 600 points in addition to your existing CRS score (for applicants from Express Entry), thus helping in receiving ITA for availing PR. |
| Application Selection | Based on the applicants CRS scores | Based on CRS scores and the in-demand labor market requirement in the province |
| Application Time | 4 – 6 months at most |
Non express entry method:
15 – 19 months Express Entry Method: 4 – 6 months |
| Mobility | For PR application under the Express Entry System, the applicant has the freedom to work and settle anywhere in Canada | For PR under the PNP the applicant is to serve in the province only for at least a time period of 2 years (though minimum stay period varies between provinces), in case of the applicant relocates in shorter period of time this would lead to the revocation of Nomination form the province, thus resulting in revocation of PR as well. |
How prepared are you to become one of 465,000 new Permanent Residents of Canada in 2023?
Based on the above information it is not wrong to state that we could answer the primarily asked question of which would be the best or suggestive way to immigrate to Canada. So, to answer that in a short and simple way, it is totally dependent on us. Weigh your factors like experience, destination choice, and all other considered or listed factors.
Though Express Entry is the fastest way, worry not if you don’t have the requirements to it and will have to opt for the Non-Express Entry way under PNP, as Canada has a highly emerging employment market and the country has got n number of opportunities to offer you to relocate to the county. All you need to do is analyze and understand which could be the best program suitable for you.
In need of some expert advice to your Canada Immigration? GetGIS immigration experts are more than happy and excited to answer every query and sort out your requirements, ensuring Immigration and PR efforts are met successfully in utmost transparent and efficient manner.
