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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鈥檚 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听Express Entry System听and the other infamous way, being the听Provincial Nominee Program听(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:

1. Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP): A program for skilled workers who have work experience and want to become permanent residents of Canada.
2. 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.
3. 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:听Minimum CLB 7 in IELTS or CELPIP for FSWP; CLB 5 for FSTP.
• Education:听At least a Canadian secondary school diploma or an ECA report for foreign credentials.
• Work Experience:听One year of continuous full-time skilled work experience in the last 10 years.
• Proof of Funds:听Sufficient settlement funds unless applying under CEC or with a valid job offer.
• Express Entry Profile:听A valid profile with accurate details in the IRCC system to receive a CRS score.
• Admissibility:听Must pass medical and criminal background checks to enter and stay in Canada.

Also Read:听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

1. Express Entry Method
2. Non-Express Entry Method

Before applying, the applicants need to ensure the listing of their chosen province in the听National Occupation Classification听(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:听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鈥檚 explore these differences in more detail with the comparison table below.

Also, Explore:听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:

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:听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.

Prepared to be One of the PR Holders in Canada?

Though Express Entry is the fastest way, worry not if you don鈥檛 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?听成人每日大赛听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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