Express Entry or PNP: Your Best Option for Canadian Residency in 2024

When considering immigration to Canada, the two primary pathways that individuals often choose are the Express Entry system and the Provincial Nominee Programs. These pathways serve as the main channels through which Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) welcomes newcomers annually.

However, the question often arises for those planning to relocate to Canada: Which option is best? Should you go through Express Entry's streamlined process or opt for a Provincial Nominee Program? This decision requires careful consideration.

In this article, let us examine the differences between these pathways and what they mean for aspiring immigrants, simplifying the complexities of Canada's immigration system.

About the Express Entry System

Express Entry is the fastest immigration pathway IRCC uses to manage and process permanent residency applications to Canada. It attracts skilled workers worldwide and addresses the country's labour market needs. Launched in 2015, it prioritizes candidates based on their skills, education, work experience, and proficiency in English or French. The system manages three federal economic immigration programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

As a key catalyst for economic immigration to Canada, Express Entry operates as a competitive platform, evaluating and ranking all eligible candidates. The system ranks candidates against each other based on age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other factors. Individuals with high CRS scores will receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent resident status. Under Express Entry, individuals and families aiming to settle in Canada can become new permanent residents within a few months.

Where to Apply?

To apply for Express Entry:

1. Visit the official website of IRCC.
2. In the Express Entry section, access the online application portal.
3. Before starting the process, review the eligibility criteria and gather all necessary documents.
4. Follow the instructions, create your Express Entry profile, and submit your application.
5. After you submit it, your profile will join the Express Entry pool.

What are the steps involved in the Express Entry System?

1. Check Eligibility: Determine if you qualify for one of Express Entry's three immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class.
2. Gather all Documents: Collect all the necessary documents, including language test results, educational credentials, and work experience records.
3. Create an Online Profile: Visit the IRCC website and complete your profile, providing detailed information about your skills, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
4. Receive CRS Score: After submitting your profile, you will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
5. Enter Express Entry Pool: Your profile enters the Express Entry pool, which ranks against others based on your CRS score.
6. Wait for Invitation: Periodically, IRCC conducts Express Entry draws (either a program-specific draw or a general draw) from the pool and invites candidates with high CRS scores to apply for PR.
7. Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA): If selected, you will receive an ITA to apply for permanent residency within a specified timeframe.
8. Submit Application: Complete and submit your PR application to IRCC within 60 days, including all required documents and fees.
9. Processing and Approval: IRCC reviews your application, and if approved, you will receive PR status in Canada.
10. Settle and Reside: Once approved, prepare your journey to settle in Canada as a new permanent resident.

After successful submission, the Express Entry profile remains valid for one year. If it expires and you are still interested, you can re-submit it.

Essential Documents Required

1. Valid Passport
2. Language Test Results (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP for English; TEF for French)
3. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign educational credentials
4. Proof of Work Experience (e.g., reference letters, employment records)
5. Proof of Funds
6. Police Clearance Certificate
7. Medical Examination Results
8. Provincial Nomination Certificate (if applicable)
9. Marriage Certificate or Common-Law Partner Proof (if applicable)

Enhanced Streams in Provincial Nominee Programs and Express Entry

Canadian provinces can select candidates from the Federal Express Entry pool through specialized Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams, termed enhanced streams. Unlike standalone Base PNP streams, these streams are intricately aligned with Express Entry.

To qualify for nomination under an enhanced stream, individuals must receive an invitation from the Federal Express Entry pool or the provincial/territorial pool of eligible candidates. Once invited, candidates can submit an enhanced PNP application to the respective province or territory.

Securing a provincial nomination gives candidates seeking Canadian PR a significant advantage. With an additional 600 CRS scores, their chances of receiving an ITA from the Federal Government significantly increase, solidifying their pathway to Canadian PR.

About Base Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Base PNPs are pathways administered by provincial or territorial governments, distinct from Express Entry-aligned streams. These programs require separate applications and have unique eligibility criteria tailored to local needs.

Originally designed to address regional demographic and labour market challenges, Base PNPs enable provinces and territories to nominate eligible individuals for settlement within their jurisdictions.

All provinces and territories in Canada operate their PNPs, except Quebec and Nunavut. Eligibility criteria may involve residency, education, work experience, job offers within the province, and other factors deemed beneficial to the local economy.

In Canada, PNPs are projected to become the country's most significant pathway for welcoming newcomers by 2025-2026, surpassing other pathways, including the popular Express Entry system.

In 2024, Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) will welcome 220,770 newcomers out of 485,000 immigrants in Canada. As individuals weigh their options, the question arises: Express Entry or PNP— which is the better choice? Each pathway offers unique advantages. Express Entry provides a fast and competitive route that focuses on individual qualifications. On the other hand, PNPs cater to specific regional needs, providing tailored opportunities. The decision ultimately depends on your circumstances, objectives, and eligibility.

Whether you prioritize speed or regional connections, both pathways offer promising routes to Canadian PR. Through careful consideration and exploration, individuals can choose the pathway that best suits their aspirations, ensuring a seamless transition to life in Canada.

ImmiLaw Global offers comprehensive immigration assistance, covering everything from the Express Entry system to Provincial Nominee Programs, work permits, and more. Our team comprises proficient immigration lawyers and overseas study experts, providing tailored guidance to meet individual needs. 

Contact us for your migration to Canada today.

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