Difference Between Express Entry and PNP
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Canadian immigration offers great opportunities through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Express Entry Canada Program. PNP targets specific provinces, offering nominations to meet local labor needs, while Express Entry is a federal system for skilled workers nationwide. Opt for PNP if you have a province in mind; choose Express Entry for broader opportunities across Canada.
This article will help you compare PR pathways to Canada i.e. difference between Express Entry and PNP, to facilitate your knowledge to choose right pathway to Canada.
Ways to Immigrate to Canada: Canada PR Pathways
When it comes to immigrating to Canada, the commonly heard Canada PR pathways 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.
Know About The Top Occupations Demand in Canada!
Express Entry System
Express Entry is the easiest and popular way to Canada PR for immigrants willing to pursue new life in the country. Canadian 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:
- Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP): A program for skilled workers who have work experience and want to become permanent residents of Canada.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): A program for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents of Canada based on being qualified in a skilled trade.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): A program specifically designed for certain temporary foreign workers and foreign student graduates who have already gained skilled work experience in Canada.
Under this System the applicant is allotted points, based on criteria i.e. age, education, work experience, and language proficiency test scores. The applicants are ranked based on their 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.
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Provincial Nominee Program
The Provincial Nominee Program 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
- Express Entry Method
- 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
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): An immigration program for people who have a job offer in Ontario.
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP): Category for international graduates of eligible post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan, who are planning to start a business.
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP): A Canadian Immigration program with options for skilled workers, graduates and entrepreneurs.
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP): Immigration tool for bringing in new British Columbians by providing a pathway to PR for highly-skilled, in-demand workers and experienced entrepreneurs, so that they can settle in B.C.
Quick Reads:
PNP vs Express Entry: Compare PR Programs Canada
Canada has been one of the best countries for immigration. 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, government funded healthcare, top-notch and diverse quality education, employment opportunities, cultural society, diversity, safety, and the list is long for all to be named.
It is important to understand what are the major differences between express entry and pnp 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 Age – 18 to 55 years Education – minimum Graduation Work Experience – minimum 1 years, preferable if you have at 3 years Language Proficiency – mandatory in English, preferable to have French (minimum band 6) Adaptability factor Already arranged Job offer (not mandatory, but an advantage) |
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: Online Express Entry Profile creation on IRCC website. Ranking of profiles based on CRS among the other applications in the draw pool. ITA sent to highest ranking candidates/applicants for availing PR |
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. |
Also Explore: CRS Points Calculator for Skilled Immigration
Express Entry vs PNP: Differences in Pathways Application Costs
When applying for Canadian immigration under the Express Entry Program or Provincial Nominee Program, applicants must be aware of the associated costs. The Express Entry Program requires payment upon receiving an Invitation to Apply, while the Provincial Nominee Program involves both provincial and federal fees. The following details these costs in CAD and INR.
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. The following table elaborates the application costs for different categories:
| Category | Application Costs in CAD | Application Costs in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Single Applicants | $1,525 ($950: application processing + $575: Right to PR) | ₹91815.26(₹57196.39: application processing + ₹34618.87: Right to PR) |
| Secondary Applicant (in case of spouse) | $1,525 addition to Primary Applicant fee | ₹91815.26 addition to Primary Applicant fee |
| Dependent Children | $260 per child | ₹15653.75 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 $1525 (₹91815.26) based on the province and the stream chosen in the province.
Express Entry Vs PNP Processing Time
The processing time for Canadian immigration can vary significantly between the Express Entry Program and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Generally, the Express Entry Program is faster, with processing times typically around six months. In contrast, the PNP can take longer, often between 12 to 19 months, as it involves additional steps, including provincial approval before federal processing.
| Program | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Express Entry | Approx. 6 months |
| PNP | 12 - 19 months |
Prepared to be One of PR Holders in Canada in 2025?
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 the utmost transparent and efficient manner.
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