Canada is a top choice for immigrants because of its excellent education system, free healthcare, and benefits like job insurance and support for families and caregivers. These benefits are available to residents, and people without ties to Canada can access them by becoming Permanent Residents.
To get permanent residency, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offers several options. The most popular are:
- Express Entry
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The IRCC looks for skilled and talented individuals who can contribute to Canada's economy and fill job market needs. This not only boosts the workforce but also enhances the country's multicultural diversity.
Difference between Express Entry and PNP
Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) are two different pathways to immigrate to Canada, each with distinct rules and processes. Below is a simplified explanation of their differences:
Purpose
-
Express Entry: A national system designed to select skilled workers for economic immigration. It includes programs like:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
-
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Allows provinces and territories in Canada to choose individuals with the skills and experience needed for their local job markets.
Eligibility Criteria
-
Express Entry: Applicants are assessed based on:
- Age
- Education
- Work experience
- Language skills (English or French)
- Adaptability
They receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, and those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residency.
-
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Each province or territory sets its own criteria based on local economic needs. PNPs target individuals with the skills or experience needed in that area.
Application Process
-
Express Entry:
- Submit an online profile with details such as age, education, work experience, and language skills.
- Candidates are placed in a pool, and those with top CRS scores receive invitations to apply for permanent residency.
-
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):
- Apply directly to a province or territory's PNP.
- If selected, receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate, which adds 600+ points to the Express Entry CRS score.
Provincial Involvement
-
Express Entry: Provinces do not typically select candidates directly. However, a provincial nomination significantly boosts a candidate’s CRS score, enhancing their chance of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
-
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Provinces actively select individuals who meet their specific needs and criteria through PNPs.
In summary, Express Entry is a national system aimed at skilled workers, whereas PNPs allow provinces to choose candidates based on local economic requirements. A provincial nomination can greatly enhance a candidate's standing within the Express Entry system.
How to apply for Canadian PR through a non-Express Entry PNP pathway?
To apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) outside of the Express Entry system, you should follow these steps:
-
Select a Province: Identify a Canadian province or territory that matches your expertise and experience. Each one has unique PNP streams with particular prerequisites.
-
Verify Eligibility: Examine the eligibility requirements for the PNP stream you are interested in. This might include factors such as education, professional background, language proficiency, and more. Ensure you fulfill all the necessary conditions.
-
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) or Application: Depending on the province's process, either submit an EOI or apply directly to the PNP stream. An EOI indicates your interest and outlines your qualifications.
-
Receive an Invitation: If you are chosen, the province will invite you to apply for nomination under their PNP stream.
-
Complete the Application: Adhere to the province's guidelines to finalize your PNP application. This typically involves providing documents like educational certificates, proof of work experience, and language test scores.
-
Await Nomination: After you have submitted your application, the province will review it. If it meets their criteria, you will be issued a nomination certificate.
-
Apply for Permanent Residence: Use the nomination certificate to apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You will need to submit all required documents, complete medical exams and police checks, and pay the necessary fees within 180 days.
-
Express Entry (if relevant): If your application is not linked to Express Entry, follow the standard process for permanent residency. If it is, indicate your provincial nomination, which can increase your Express Entry score.
-
Await Processing: After applying for permanent residency, wait for the federal authorities to process your application. Processing times may vary.
-
Final Steps: Upon approval, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can begin planning your relocation to Canada.
Is Express Entry Better than Provincial Nominee Program?
Deciding between Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) depends greatly on your personal circumstances, goals, and preferences. Each option has its own specific benefits and factors to consider:
Express Entry
Rapid Processing: Express Entry is renowned for its swift application processing, often faster than some PNP routes.
Variety of Programs: It acts as the entrance to the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program, providing a wide range of options.
CRS Score Enhancement: Obtaining a provincial nomination through a PNP connected with Express Entry can significantly boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score by more than 600 points.
Greater Flexibility: This path offers more freedom to move between provinces since you are not restricted by a provincial nomination.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Customized Selection: PNP allows provinces to select candidates based on their specific labor market requirements, increasing your chances if your skills align with a province's needs.
Easier CRS Requirements: Some PNP streams have less stringent CRS score demands, making them feasible even if your score is lower.
Targeted Streams: With streams focusing on particular professions or sectors, PNP is perfect if your occupation is in high demand in a specific province.
Personal Ties: PNP can be more beneficial if you have a job offer or family in a certain province, as it can improve your ability to adapt and settle.
Higher Approval Chances: Receiving a provincial nomination enhances your chances of obtaining permanent residency.
Residency Commitment: Some provinces, such as Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island, mandate that nominees live and work there for a designated period.
Summary
In summary, Express Entry is the best option if you qualify and seek a quicker, more direct process. On the other hand, if you are focused on a particular province, have a job offer or family ties, or if your profession is highly sought after in a certain area, the PNP might be the more prudent route.
Application Cost
Canadian Immigration Fees Overview
Express Entry Fees
Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Express Entry, the application fees are as follows:
-
Primary Applicant:
- Total Cost: CAD $1,365
- Processing Fee: CAD $850
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee: CAD $515
-
Secondary Applicant:
- Same fee structure as the primary applicant, totaling CAD $1,365.
-
Dependent Child:
- Fee: CAD $230 per child
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) Fees
If you're pursuing a Canadian Permanent Resident Visa via the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), you'll need to cover two sets of fees:
-
Provincial Application Processing Fee:
- This fee varies depending on the province, ranging from CAD $0 to CAD $1,500.
-
Federal Government Fees:
- These fees are for processing your Canada PR Visa application.
