Canada is a popular destination for skilled workers from around the world, including India. The Canadian government has implemented a number of programmes in recent years to attract highly skilled professionals to the country. The federal government and provinces across Canada have programmes in place to help skilled workers immigrate to Canada and settle permanently. These programmes are intended to meet the country’s labour market needs while also promoting economic growth. Canada has become an appealing destination for Indian professionals looking to immigrate due to its strong economy and high standard of living. This article evaluates the Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program migration processes to Canada.
Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are the major immigration pathways for skilled workers to migrate to Canada.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is an online system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers who want to come to Canada. Express Entry is a point-based system that evaluates candidates based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other criteria. Candidates are then ranked against one another in the Express Entry pool and the highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
The key features of Express Entry for skilled workers include:
- Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): The CRS is a points-based system that evaluates a candidate’s profile based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): The FSWP is one of the three federal economic immigration programs under Express Entry, and is designed for skilled workers with at least one year of full-time work experience in a skilled occupation.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): The FSTP is another federal economic immigration program under Express Entry, and is designed for skilled tradespeople with work experience in a specific trade.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): The CEC is the third federal economic immigration program under Express Entry, and is designed for skilled workers who have at least one year of Canadian work experience in a skilled occupation.
- Job Offer: Having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can increase a candidate’s CRS score and make them more competitive in the Express Entry pool.
- Express Entry Draws: Regular Express Entry draws are held by the Canadian government to invite the highest-scoring candidates in the pool to apply for permanent residency. Candidates who receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) must submit a complete application within 60 days.
What is Provincial Nominee Programs ?
PNP, on the other hand, is a program designed for skilled workers who want to settle in a specific Canadian province or territory. Each province has its own PNP, with specific eligibility requirements that depend on the needs of the province. The PNP allows provinces to nominate candidates who meet their specific labor market needs for permanent residency.
The key features of Provincial Nominee Programs for skilled workers include:
- Occupation in Demand: Each PNP has its own list of in-demand occupations, which are determined by the province’s labour market needs. Skilled workers who have work experience in these in-demand occupations are more likely to be selected for nomination.
- Points-Based System: Many PNPs use a points-based system to assess candidates. Factors that are often considered include age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. Candidates who score high on the points-based system are more likely to be selected for nomination.
- Eligibility Requirements: Each PNP has its own eligibility requirements, which may include minimum language proficiency, education, and work experience. Candidates must meet these requirements to be considered for nomination.
- Job Offer: Most PNPs require candidates to have a job offer from a Canadian employer in order to be nominated. The job offer must be in an in-demand occupation and must meet certain requirements set by the province.
- Nomination Certificate: Once a candidate is nominated by a province, they receive a nomination certificate. This certificate allows them to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
- Fast-Track Processing: PNPs often have faster processing times than other immigration programs. This means that candidates can receive their permanent residency status more quickly.
- Regional Focus: PNPs allow provinces to address their specific labour market needs. This means that the programs may have a regional focus and may be more likely to select candidates who are willing to live and work in certain regions of Canada.
Summary of Express Entry and PNP:
| Criteria | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | Express Entry |
| Programs are run by | Provincial or Territory Government Federal 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 |
| 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) or 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 |
Which one to apply as a skilled worker ?
Both Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are beneficial pathways for skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada.
Express Entry is a federal program that manages applications for three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. To qualify for Express Entry, you must meet the eligibility requirements of one of these programs and submit an online profile to the Express Entry system. The system then ranks candidates based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which takes into account factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability. Candidates with the highest scores are then invited to apply for permanent residency.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are programs run by individual provinces and territories in Canada to select and nominate immigrants based on their specific economic needs and priorities. Each PNP has its own eligibility requirements and selection criteria, which are tailored to the needs of the province or territory. Some PNPs require a job offer from an employer in the province, while others may require previous work or study experience in the province. If you are nominated by a province or territory, you can then apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Both Express Entry and PNPs have their advantages and disadvantages. Express Entry is a faster and more streamlined process, and candidates can receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency within six months of submitting their profile. PNPs, on the other hand, offer more flexibility in terms of eligibility requirements and may have lower CRS score requirements. They can also provide a faster route to permanent residency for candidates who may not meet the requirements for Express Entry.
Ultimately, the best pathway for you will depend on your individual circumstances and goals. It may be beneficial to explore both options and seek the advice of an immigration consultant or lawyer to help you make an informed decision.
Where can I live if I use Express Entry or the PNP?
The Canadian Constitution states that Canadian citizens and permanent residents have “Mobility Rights,” which allow them to move freely within the country, live in any province, and work in any province.
When you apply for a provincial nomination, you are indicating your genuine desire to settle in that province, as provinces nominate candidates to contribute to the province’s economic development. Despite this, your Mobility Rights allow you to relocate to another province. Express Entry is more open in terms of where you can settle once you have been granted permanent residence. Except for Quebec, if you are granted permanent residence through Express Entry without a provincial nomination, you have not committed to residing in any particular province.
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