Difference Between Express Entry and PNP
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Discover the key difference between Express Entry and PNP, two major Canadian immigration pathways with distinct selection criteria. While Express Entry is federal and points-based, PNPs focus on provincial labour needs and regional priorities.
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Canada offers multiple immigration pathways, but understanding the difference between Express Entry and PNP is essential for choosing the right route. Express Entry is a points-based federal system managing applications for skilled workers, with the aim of welcoming over 120,000 immigrants through it in 2025. In contrast, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow provinces to nominate candidates based on regional labour demands.
While Express Entry prioritizes candidates with high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, PNPs give opportunities to those with strong provincial ties or in-demand skills. Let’s explore how each stream works and which might suit your goals best.
Canada PR Pathways: Express Entry and PNP
When it comes to immigrating to Canada, the commonly heard Canada PR pathways for the economic class are 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 system is a federal immigration pathway that manages applications for three key programs: FSWP, FSTP, and CEC. It uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to score candidates based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Applicants with the highest scores receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) during regular draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
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.
Eligibility Requirements for Express Entry
To qualify for the Express Entry system, applicants must meet specific criteria under at least one of its managed programs. Below are the core eligibility requirements used to assess candidates.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 7 in IELTS or CELPIP for FSWP; CLB 5 for FSTP.
- Education: At least a Canadian secondary school diploma or an ECA report for foreign credentials.
- Work Experience: One year of continuous full-time skilled work experience in the last 10 years.
- Proof of Funds: Sufficient settlement funds unless applying under CEC or with a valid job offer.
- Express Entry Profile: A valid profile with accurate details in the IRCC system to receive a CRS score.
- Admissibility: Must pass medical and criminal background checks to enter and stay in Canada.
Also Read: Canadian Language Benchmark Guide: For Canada Aspirants
Provincial Nominee Program
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who meet specific local labour market needs. Candidates selected through a PNP stream can apply for permanent residency, often with lower CRS score requirements than Express Entry. Each province has its own streams targeting skilled workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs aligned with regional priorities.
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 PNPs are,
- Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
- Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
- Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
Quick Read: Occupations in Demand in Canada for International Skilled Workers in 2025
Difference Between Express Entry and PNP
Understanding the difference between Express Entry and PNP is important for those planning to immigrate to Canada. While both pathways offer a route to Canada PR, they differ in eligibility requirements, selection processes, and opportunities. Let’s explore these differences in more detail with the comparison table below.
|
Factor |
Express Entry |
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
|
Mobility |
Allows permanent residents to live and work anywhere in Canada. |
Requires nominees to reside and work in the nominating province for a specified period. |
|
Application Selection |
Selection is based on Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores. |
Selection considers CRS scores and alignment with provincial labour market needs. |
|
Rounds of Invitations |
The federal government issues invitations every 2 weeks based on CRS scores and category-based draws. |
Provinces either accept direct PNP applications or invite candidates from the Express Entry pool based on labour needs. |
|
Processing Time |
Typically processed within 6 months. |
Processing can take 15 to 19 months for non-Express Entry PNPs. |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
Requires meeting federal criteria, including language proficiency and work experience. |
Criteria vary by province, focusing on specific skills and labour market demands. |
|
Program Management |
Managed by the federal government under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). |
Managed by individual provinces and territories in collaboration with the federal government. |
Also, Explore: CRS Points Calculator for Skilled Immigration
Express Entry vs PNP: Differences in 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 the 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 on the application costs for different categories:
|
Category |
Application Costs in CAD |
Application Costs in INR |
|
Single Applicants |
1,525 (950 for application processing + 575 for Right to PR) |
93,332 (58,141 for application processing + 35,190 for Right to PR) |
|
Secondary Applicant (in case of spouse) |
1,525 in addition to the Primary Applicant fee |
93,332 in addition to the Primary Applicant fee |
|
Dependent Children |
260 per child |
15,912 per child |
2. Under Provincial Nominee Program
Under this program, the applicant makes a payment consisting of the Provincial Application Fee and Federal Government Fee, which averages around CAD 1525 (INR 93,332) based on the province and the stream chosen in the province.
Explore: Total Cost For Canada PR From India in 2025
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 |
For the Non-express entry method, it is 15 - 19 months, For the Express Entry Method, it is 4 - 6 months |
Prepared to be One of the PR Holders in Canada?
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 n number of opportunities to offer you to relocate to the country. All you need to do is analyse and understand which could be the best program suitable for you.
In need of some expert advice on 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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