Key Differences Between Express Entry and PNPs

Last Updated On : May 15 , 2024

There are multiple immigration programs available for applicants who want to move to Canada permanently. Most skilled workers choose the express entry program, while those having relatives in Canada or a job offer from a Canadian employer may apply through the Provincial Nominee Program.

Before applying for immigration to Canada, it's important to understand the differences between these options, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your profile.

What is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Express Entry System?

Both the programs are the immigration pathways to obtain PR in Canada.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program, also called Non-Express Entry program is a pathway to Canadian permanent residency that allows skilled workers to move to any of one province from following:-

1. Newfoundland and Labrador
2. Prince Edward Island
3. Nova Scotia
4. New Brunswick
5. Quebec
6. Ontario
7. Manitoba
8. Saskatchewan
9. Alberta
10. British Columbia
11. And Territories (Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories)

If you meet the Province specific labour needs. In other words, if you have the right skills, education, and experience, you can receive a PNP to apply for permanent residency in Canada.

Having a Provincial Nominee Certificate will boost your score by 600 points in CRS and bring many other perks to the application process.

Express Entry System

Professionals with the necessary skills can apply for permanent residency in Canada through the Express Entry points-based system wherein they must ensure to meet Express Entry eligibility criteria.

Foreign skilled workers are assigned CRS points for various factors in the Express Entry system. Afterwards, their Express Entry profile is compared to others in the Express Entry pool. You will only receive permanent residency (PR) if your score exceeds the minimum CRS cut-off score.

You can apply for permanent residence after receiving an Invitation To Apply (ITA) if your score is high enough to express the entry cut-off score. The application takes six months to process when it is submitted.

How Does the Express Entry System and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Work?

Express Entry System:

1. It's an online system the Federal government of Canada uses to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers.
2. Create an online profile wherein you are assigned scores based on your age, education, work experience, and language skills.
3. The highest-scoring candidates are then invited to apply for permanent residence.
4. It functions similarly to a pool of candidates, with the government regularly selecting the finest from the pool.

NOTE:- Use the official tool to check eligibility for express entry and ensure that you meet the prerequisites before continuing.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):

1. Each Canadian province and territory (except Quebec) has its own PNP.
2. The PNPs allow provinces to nominate individuals who can contribute to their local economy and labor market.
3. Each PNP has its streams and criteria for nominating candidates. In short, the PNP requirements of each province and territory differ.
4. If a province nominates you through their PNP, you can quickly apply for permanent residence.
5. It's like the provinces picking the candidates they want based on their specific needs.

Though the PNP is primarily concerned with addressing particular province labour market needs, both programmes have the potential to lead to permanent residency in Canada. However, the Immigration Express Entry System is more competitive and takes into account broader variables.

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