Key Differences Between Express Entry vs Provincial Nominee Program

Are you planning to move to Canada? Then you must have heard of two big immigration programs: the Express Entry Program and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These programs assist candidates like you to become permanent residents in Canada.

So what's the difference between them? Which one should you choose? In this blog, we will explain everything in such a manner that anyone can understand it. Also, the blog will further discuss how Canada Immigration Consultants can help you choose an option that is best for your future.

What is Express Entry?

An immigration program embraces the application of skilled workers for permanent residency in Canada; it is the most popular pathway to immigration because of its speed and efficiency. Express Entry is a method used in the processing of applications for three main programs under Canadian immigration:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Heres how Express Entry works:

• Eligibility: There are requirements to see if you qualify for any of the three programs. There are certain skills, work experience, language ability, and education you must have.
• Create an Express Entry Profile: If you are able to qualify, then you can register for a profile on the Express Entry system. Yourself information, such as education, work experience, and the language test (English or French), among others, will be provided in your profile.
• Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): If you possess qualifications, working experience, and education, then you can create an Express Entry profile. You will score based on age, education, language proficiency, and professional experience. This scoring system is called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
• Invitation to Apply (ITA): You will receive an ITA, which allows you to apply for permanent residency in Canada if your CRS score is high enough.
• Apply for PR: Once the ITA is awarded, an application for permanent residency must be submitted within 60 days. If things go well, you will have permanent residency and can begin your new life in Canada.

What is PNP (Provincial Nominee Program)?

Move to Canada on your permanent residence via the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP). This is unlike Express Entry which is a federal orientation program. It is managed by provinces and territories in Canada. Each province has its own rules and criteria regarding the nomination of people for permanent residency.

Provinces and territories in Canada have the authority under the PNP to nominate individuals who wish to inhabit and work in their regions for a purpose. The objective of the PNP is to fill labor shortages and attract people with is skills in demand in that province. For example, if your skills are in technology, healthcare, or construction, and a province needs those skills, they might nominate you for permanent residency.

Heres how the PNP works

• Eligibility: Here it depends on the province, and you need to find out which one you qualify for. Some provinces focus on skilled workers. Others may rank students, business owners, or French speakers.

• Apply to a province: First, check your eligibility. Then, talk to an official. After that, you can apply directly to the province or territory where you want to live. If they like your profile, the province or territory will support your permanent residency application.

• Express Entry-linked PNP: PNP streams of some provinces are linked to Express Entry. If you apply for the PNP through Express Entry, your profile will be checked under both the federal and provincial systems. This boosts your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the PNP streams.

• Apply for PR: After a province nominates you, you may apply for permanent residency. If your application gets approved, you'll become a permanent resident of Canada. You'll live in the province that nominated you.

Key Differences Between Express Entry and PNP

1. Feature:

• Express Entry: Express Entry is run by the Federal Government.

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): PNP is run by Individual Provinces/Territories.

2. Processing Time:

• Express Entry: Processing time is typically 6 to 8 months.

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Processing time is around 12 to 18 months, depending on the province.

3. Points System:

• Express Entry: Uses a points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): May or may not use the CRS.

4. Job Offer Needed?

• Express Entry: A job offer is not always required.

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): A job offer is sometimes required.

5. Provincial Nomination Available?

• Express Entry: Yes, a nomination adds 600 CRS points.

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Yes, it is the core of the program.

6. Targeted Occupations:

• Express Entry: Targets general skilled workers; varies by draw.

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Based on the specific labor needs of each province.

7. Online or Paper-based?

• Express Entry: Entirely online process.

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Some streams are paper-based.

8. Permanent Residency?

• Express Entry: Yes, leads to permanent residency.

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Yes, leads to permanent residency.

9. Suitable For:

• Express Entry: Suitable for high-skilled professionals.

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Suitable for people with ties to a specific province.

10. Language Proficiency:

• Express Entry: Required (IELTS or CELPIP).

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Required with a minimum CLB of 4–7.

Why Should You Choose Express Entry or PNP?

In this regard, you may wonder: "Which one should I choose: Express Entry or PNP?" Well, that choice depends on your situation and objectives. So, let's delve into the analysis:

• If you're skilled in a specific area and meet the Express Entry requirements, you need this option. This option allows for faster processing. You can live in any province or territory in Canada.

• If residing in a particular province or having job skills in demand in that particular region is your thing, then the PNP might be a better choice for you. Specifically, provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta have programs that target specific skill sets.

Conclusion

Express Entry and PNP are two different alternatives for immigrating to Canada that work according to different rules. Express Entry is a federal, fast, and streamlined system for skilled workers, whereas PNP is a provincial system that allows an individual province to nominate those MPs based on the needs of that province.

If there exists doubt in your mind regarding the right program for you, consulting with any of the Immigration Consultants would eventually guide you toward the best choice. Best of luck with your journey toward becoming a Canadian permanent resident!