Canada Express Entry has always been number one choice for foreign nationals and workers in Canada to get their Permanent Residency. Express entry has 3 programs in it while PNP (Province Nominee program) another great way to achieve your PR goals in Canada has various streams in each province.
People often have this doubt about which option would be better for you, Express Entry Canada vs PNP, since, the rise in CRS Scores to be eligible for Canada PR it is becoming more and more difficult to get an invitation from Canada Express Entry this leads people to explore another option like PNPs and other immigration programs.
Express Entry Canada vs PNP
While comparing both of them you need to understand that should you really go for Express Entry Canada. Let me comparing why you should go for Express Entry Canada and why for PNP:
These are the reasons you should go for Express Entry Canada:
- You’re meeting the average cutoff for General Draws, around CRS Score 510.
- You are working under one of the Targeted occupation categories, STEM (Science Technology Engineering Maths), Transport, Trade, Healthcare, or Agriculture.
- You have good proficiency in French Language, category draws are conducted for French Speaker which has very lower CRS Score.
These are the reasons you should go for PNP:
- You have studied and worked in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, or any of the Atlantic Province. They have some of the good programs that you will be eligible to apply for.
- You have low CRS score for Express Entry Canada
Pros and Cons
Let’s have look on pros and cons of Canada Express Entry vs PNP:
| Pros and Cons | Express Entry (EE) | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
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How Does Express Entry Work?
Express Entry is a system for skilled workers to apply for permanent residence in Canada. Here’s how it works:
- Create Profile: The first step is to create an Express Entry profile and fill out your information based on documents you have.
- Get Ranked: Once you submit the profile, based on your profile you will get a CRS score and get invited based on that.
- Enter Pool: Your profile stays in the pool for up to 12 months.
- Receive Invitation: Candidates with high scores are regularly invited to apply for permanent residence.
- Submit Application: If invited, you submit all the documents based on the information you filled in first step.
- Wait for Decision: The government processes your application. If approved, you will get permanent residency.
Processing time: Up to 6 Months
Application fees: Free of Cost before invitation
How Does a PNP work?
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is little longer than Express Entry since your profile will be accessed via province and then you will be assigned 600 additional CRS points then you will be applying for Federal Express Entry. Here’s a simplified overview:
- Province or Territory Nomination: Provinces and territories nominate your profile based on based on their skills and qualifications and contribution to their local economies and communities.
- Eligibility Requirements: Each province or territory has its one eligibility requirements, such as education, work experience, and language skills.
- Application Process: When you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply directly to the province or territory. All the required documents will be submitted and processed.
- Nomination: Once your application approved, you receive a nomination certificate, which will give you an additional 600 CRS points in your Express Entry profile.
- Permanent Residence Application: After nomination, you can apply for permanent residence through the federal government’s Express Entry this will take another 6 months to get processed.
Processing Time: Varies by stream (about 5 months)
Application Fees: $1500 CAD
Frequently Asked Question
Which one is faster: Express Entry or PNP?
Express Entry has faster processing times compared to PNP because it’s managed by the federal government. But Express Entry streams aligned with PNP has also after-processing rate. Processing time is very important in understand Canada Express Entry vs PNP for you.
Can I apply for both Express Entry and PNP at the same time?
Yes, you can apply for both Express Entry and PNP simultaneously. In fact, many PNP streams are aligned with Express Entry like Ontario PNP, Nova scotia Express Entry stream.
Do I need a job offer to apply for Express Entry or PNP?
To help you understand Canada Express Entry vs PNP job is another big factor. If you have a job offer that can increase your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence, it’s not always required for Express Entry or PNP. Depending on stream having a job offer will increase your scores.
Can I switch between Express Entry and PNP if I’m already in the pool?
Yes, you can switch between Express Entry and PNP if you meet the eligibility criteria for both pathways. For example, if you’re already in the Express Entry pool and receive a provincial nomination through PNP, you can add this nomination to your profile, which may increase your CRS score and chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence.
