How Provincial Nominee Program Closures Can Benefit Skilled Workers in Canada

Many Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams across Canada have been paused or closed in 2025. But, that is not bad news for skilled foreign workers in Canada seeking permanent residence (PR). The reason for these sudden changes reflect a strategic shift in Canada’s overall immigration plan that places more weight on federal programs like Express Entry. For the skilled workers who are already living in Canada, this shift may be beneficial.

Extra Express Entry Slots are Available

As PNP admission targets are cut down, Express Entry now accounts for a larger share of economic immigration.

In 2025, planned admission targets through Express Entry have increased to 124,590 – 53.67% of the total planned economic immigration targets.

This is an increase from planned targets through Express Entry in 2024, which was 110,770 – only 39% of the total planned economic immigration.

Skilled workers who are affected by a close PNP stream may have a higher chance of qualifying through Express Entry.

The Canadian government has recently announced an intention to focus on Candidates with experience in Canada Experience Class (for candidates who have worked in Canada and want to transition to permanent residence).

So, skilled workers with Canadian work experience must have a better chance at receiving an invitation to apply for Permanent Residence, in comparison to those that has no Canadian Experience.

Also Read: Canada Open Work Permit: Here Is Who Can Apply

Benefits of Express Entry over PNP

Wider Options on Where to Settle

As a foreigner, you are eligible for Express Entry with clear intent to reside in any province or territory other than Quebec.

With PNP, you have no option other than residing in any province or territory, who have nominated you.

This mandate can put your life on hold while working thoroughly through PR for example, by turning down a job opportunity in another province.

If you are considering PR through Express Entry, you have more freedom to relocate throughout Canada, even before getting PR.

Easy Eligibility Criteria

With more than 80 PNP streams in total, each stream has its own eligibility criteria.

Those who are interested in provincial immigration must understand the immigration process, moreover has to research the best stream for them.

In contrast, the Canadian Experience class (CEC) program has a very small number of streamlined eligibility criteria, making it easier for you to understand whether it's easier for you to qualify or not.

• Having 1 year (or 1,560 hours) of paid full-time skilled work experience* in Canada within the last 3 years.
• Meeting the minimum language proficiency requirement (CLB 7 or CLB 5, depending on your occupation.

You Can Apply for Faster PR

For PNP streams, you should apply to two levels of government in order to get PR.

First, you need to apply for the province and receive a provincial nomination. On the other hand, for many PNP streams, the provincial nomination is in itself a two-step process, in which candidates should not create an expression of interest in the Provincial pool and receive an invitation from the province before applying to the federal government for PR.

Faster Processing Times

After you apply for PR, you can get a faster processing time if you have applied through express entry rather than the base of PNP.

The current processing time for Express Entry applications is five months; and for base PNP applications 20 months, according to the time of writing.

The stopping of many Provincial Nomination Programs in 2025 indicates a significant shift in Canada’s immigration strategy—but it’s one that favors skilled workers, especially those with Canadian experience.

Also Read: Canada’s IEC 2025 Program Issues 1900+ Work Permits in Just One Week (May Update)

Canada Immigration Made Easy With GetGIS Assistance

IEC 2025 highlights steady momentum with over 65,000 invitations issued so far this year across all streams. Quota adjustments in 2025 reflect strategic shifts based on demand and past participation. To maximise your chances and navigate the Canada immigration process, smoothly consider seeking expert support from GetGIS for end to end visa guidance and application success

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