Maple News reports that in 2024, Canada plans to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents, with over 220,000 expected to enter through either the Express Entry system or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These two immigration streams remain the leading federal and provincial pathways for skilled workers seeking permanent residency. But which one is the best fit for aspiring immigrants?
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship system for managing immigration applications under three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). In 2024 alone, 110,700 newcomers are expected to arrive through Express Entry.
Applicants interested in Express Entry need to first meet the eligibility criteria for at least one of the programs. Once eligible, they can submit a profile to the Express Entry pool, where each candidate receives a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This score is calculated based on key human capital factors such as age, education, language ability, and work experience.
Candidates are then ranked in the pool, and those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residence during regular draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Express Entry profiles are valid for one year, after which applicants may resubmit their profiles if they have not yet received an invitation.
Alternatively, Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs offer another route for candidates with specific skills needed in individual provinces and territories. PNPs allow provinces to select candidates who can meet their regional labour market needs. There are two types of PNP streams: base and enhanced.
Enhanced PNPs are aligned with the Express Entry system and provide nominated candidates with an additional 600 CRS points, essentially guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the next draw. Base PNPs, on the other hand, operate independently of Express Entry and follow a separate application procedure.
In choosing between Express Entry and a PNP, prospective immigrants should evaluate their CRS score, occupation demand in specific provinces, language proficiency, and whether they already have experience or job offers in Canada. Express Entry works well for high-scoring candidates with strong human capital, while PNPs can create opportunities for those with regional ties or specialized occupations.
No matter the pathway, both systems open doors to life in Canada with the potential for rapid and stable immigration outcomes. Understanding how each route works—and assessing your own qualifications—is key to making the right decision.
Maple News will continue to monitor updates from IRCC and provide in-depth guidance as Canada’s immigration landscape evolves.