When it comes to several options available for Canadian immigration, a lot of people are left wondering: Express Entry or PNP?
Well, it depends.
You must know thedifference between Express Entry and PNP. This blog will help you summarize each system so you can pick the one accordingly.
What is the Express Entry System?
The Express Entry System is the major immigration system, which has been set by the Federal Government of Canada. It consists of three immigration programs that are designed for providing permanent residence to skilled and experienced foreign immigrants.
Here is a list of three programs foreign workers consider to immigrate to Canada:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
How Does the Express Entry System Work?
The Express Entry System uses a points-based system, which is known as the Comprehensive Ranking System, to evaluate candidates. This system assigns points to candidates based on their age, education, work experience, and adaptability.
All those individuals who are eligible to apply through one of the above-mentioned Express Entry programs will be added to a special candidate pool once their points are totaled. These applicants may receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply) when IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) conducts a draw whose minimum points threshold is lower than the CRS score.
Candidates will have to collect the relevant documents and pay fees so their permanent resident application can be completed. This entire application process takes approximately 6 months.
What is the Provincial Nominee Program?
The PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) system refers to a set of immigration programs that were created and operated by different provinces and territories in Canada.
These Canadian provinces and territories have made agreements concerning immigration with the Federal Government to assist them in attracting a large number of foreign workers who can join their labour force. That way they can contribute to their local economy. At present, there are more than 80 provincial nominee programs.
The majority of them are designed to bring in foreign nationals who meet the requirements of the province or territory. This comprises individuals with specialized skills, investment potential, or post-secondary education credentials in Canada.
How Do the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) Work?
The PNPs (Provincial Nominee Programs) are categorized into those that work independently and the ones working with the Express Entry System.
Both systems generally evaluate the education, language skills, and work experience of the candidate. Also, they may need a specific minimum net worth and/or a job offer for qualifying for the program.
Applying for PNP without Express Entry
Prospective foreign nationals who are looking to apply for PNP without using Express Entry can use a paper-based process. This calls for them to ask the province or territory for a nomination via an application.
If they meet the minimum eligibility requirements of the program, the province or territory may get in touch and notify them about their nomination.
These candidates may submit their applications and receive PR (Permanent Resident) status for Canada. Following this, candidates will need to complete a PCC (police clearance check) and a medical exam and submit any additional documents requested by the province or territory.
Applying for PNP with Express Entry
Candidates who plan to use the PNP with the Express Entry System can use one of the two routes mentioned below:
1. Express Entry PNP Route #1
The PNP candidates are required to get in touch with the province or territory they are looking to move to and are interested in obtaining a nomination for the Express Entry Stream. If the province agrees to nominate the candidate, they are required to create an online Express Entry profile and offer evidence they were nominated.
2. Express Entry PNP Route #2
The PNP candidate ought to start by setting up an Express Entry Profile. They are required to inform various provinces and territories in Canada before they express their interest in immigrating.
Provinces or territories responding to this request will express a ‘Notification of Interest’. It will be added to the Express Entry profile created by the candidate earlier.
The applicant can then get in touch with the province or territory directly and apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry Stream. The applicant, if successful, will receive their PR nomination via their account.
Differences between Express Entry and PNP
Foreign nationals who are looking to learn about diverse immigration programs in Canada often ask the question, “Should I opt for Express Entry or PNP?”
The answer to this question will depend on various factors. However, Express Entry vs PNP can be evaluated in different ways.
| Criteria | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | Express Entry |
| Programs are run by | Provincial or Territory Government | Federal Government |
| Available Programs | 80+ | 3 |
| Type of Points System used | Eligibility Points Grid (Varies by Province) | Comprehensive Ranking System |
| Ways to apply | Two (Without or Without Express Entry) | One |
| Job Offer Requirement | Yes (With Exceptions For a Few Programs) | No |
| Can live anywhere in Canada | No (If you move to another province, you may lose your PR status) | Yes |
| Application Processing Time | 4 to 6 Months (for PNPs that are Express Entry Aligned)
15 to 19 Months (for PNPs that are Non-Express Entry Aligned) |
4 to 6 Months |
| Total Application Fees | CAD $250 to 3,500 Depending on the Program | CAD $1,365 |
Both Express Entry and PNP have their own set of pros and cons.
Here is a list of Pros of the Express Entry System:
1. No Requirement for Job Offer
You can apply for immigration to Canada through one of the Express Entry programs even if you do not have a job offer from an employer in Canada. However, you could be required to have a job offer if you do not possess sufficient funds for supporting yourself and any of your family members who are accompanying you to the country.
2. High Chance of Selection with the Needed Skills and Background
If you have what it takes i.e. the right skills and background, you can remain one step ahead of other applicants in the Express Entry pool. For instance, you will receive more points if you have great work experience, good English and/or French language skills, higher education credentials, and adaptability factors including siblings living in Canada.
3. Speedy Processing Times
The majority of Express Entry applications are processed within 4 to 6 months.
4. Residing Anywhere in Canada
One of the most significant advantages of the Express Entry System is you are free to reside in any province or territory in Canada. This is when you have obtained PR (Permanent Resident) status through Express Entry.
Listed below are the Cons of Express Entry:
1. Limited Number of Programs
The Express Entry system includes only 3 Federal Programs. Hence, your chances of immigrating through Express Entry are comparatively limited. Tens of thousands of people choose to apply through these programs each year, making them extremely competitive.
2. May Require a Job Offer
You do not need a job offer to apply for one of the Federal Programs under Express Entry. However, applicants can receive extra points if they have a job offer from an employer in Canada. Such applicants will have a higher CRS score and will be given a preference during Express Entry draws.
Pros and Cons of PNP
Some of the pros of applying through PNP are listed below:
1. A Large Number of Programs
There are more than 80 PNPs (Provincial Nominee Programs) you can choose from. This signifies individuals who do not qualify for any of the Federal Express Entry programs may be able to find a PNP they are eligible for.
2. More Ways to Apply
Also, individuals who apply through the PNPs get the option of using an Express Entry-aligned application process. If they are successful, they can get 600 extra CRS points. These points will help fast-track them for PR through the Express Entry System.
The following are the cons of PNP:
1. Limited Mobility
It is required that individuals who choose to immigrate to Canada through Provincial Nominee Programs live in the Canadian province or territory that nominates them for a particular length of time. These immigrants are not authorized to move to other provinces or territories during this period. This is the most important difference between Express Entry and PNP.
2. Long Processing Times
Individuals using the non-Express Entry-aligned PNPs will face potentially long processing times of between 15 and 19 months. This processing time is longer compared to the 4 to 6 months Express Entry applicants usually take.
3. High Fees
The application fees for some PNPs surpass the fees for the Express Entry System by a wide margin. For instance, the application fee for the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration program is CAD 3,500.
Need assistance with Express Entry or PNP?
No doubt, understanding the difference between Express Entry and PNP can be pretty overwhelming due to numerous factors. You can contact our immigration experts at Oasis Resource Management if you assistance with picking the best immigration route. Knowing the difference between Express Entry and PNP is of utmost importance.
Our skilled and knowledgeable Canadian Immigration Consultants are familiar with each Express Entry and PNP difference. It can recommend the program, which offers you a great chance for Canadian immigration. Get in touch with us to start the immigration process in Canada.
