Express Entry vs. PNP: Which is better for PR
Which is better for PR? Express Entry vs. PNP
Many Indians in the process of applying for a Canada PR Visa from India often grapple with the question: ‘which route should I take, Express Entry or PNP?’
Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) stand as the primary avenues for individuals seeking permanent residency in Canada annually. In 2024, its projected that these immigration channels will open their doors to 220,770 newcomers, contributing to the 485,000 individuals that IRCC aims to welcome.
To alleviate any confusion and aid in making an informed decision, let’s delve into a thorough comparison between Express Entry and PNP.
Opting for Express Entry for PR
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aim to process PR applications within a swift 6-month period through Express Entry, making it the quickest and most favorable immigration route for Indians seeking PR. This program encompasses three distinct immigration streams:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Fun Fact: In its Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026, IRCC aims to welcome 110,700 permanent residents through these programs.
Eligibility Criteria
Each Express Entry program entails its own set of eligibility criteria. Fulfilling the requirements of at least one program is a prerequisite for profile submission to the Express Entry pool.
Utilize the 67-point calculator to assess factors such as your age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and more, which collectively determine your eligibility.
Meeting the 67-point threshold out of 100 qualifies you to submit a profile and officially become an Express Entry candidate.
Express Entry Draws
Once your profile enters the Express Entry pool, it undergoes ranking against other potential candidates using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Your CRS score, based on similar factors as the 67-point calculator, is then determined.
IRCC conducts bi-weekly Express Entry draws, with occasional exceptions. If your CRS score meets the minimum threshold, you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canada PR from India.
If your score falls below the minimum requirement, recalibrate your CRS score by exploring avenues to enhance it, such as accruing more work experience, securing temporary employment in Canada, acquiring additional educational qualifications, reattempting language proficiency tests, or learning French.
Your Express Entry profile remains valid for one-year post-submission, after which it requires resubmission.
Numerous Canadian provinces offer streams aligned with Express Entry, through which they extend invitations to candidates from the Express Entry pool for PR. These are referred to as enhanced streams within Provincial Nominee Programs.
Invitations from Canadian Provinces
To be eligible for nomination, you must first receive an invitation from either the federal Express Entry pool or a provincial or territorial pool of eligible candidates. Only then can you submit an enhanced PNP application to the respective province or territory.
Upon receiving a provincial nomination certificate, your profile garners an additional 600 CRS points, significantly boosting your prospects of securing an ITA from the federal government.
Completing the Canada PR Application
Upon receiving an invitation from IRCC, you have a 60-day window to submit a comprehensive PR application along with supporting documentation. IRCC initiates the processing; typically spanning around 6 months, though some applications may undergo a swifter review (2-3 months) if they are straightforward and meet all requirements.
Once your PR application is processed, IRCC renders a final decision. Upon approval, your passport is stamped, and you receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document along with a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV).
Opting for PNP for PR
Now that you’re familiar with “enhanced PNP streams” aligned with Express Entry, it’s essential to note the existence of “base PNP streams” that operate independently. These streams are designed for provinces to address their specific labor market demands and demographic challenges by directly nominating eligible candidates. To qualify, applicants must meet the distinct requirements and apply for these PNPs separately.
Eligibility Criteria
Every province in Canada, excluding Quebec and Nunavut, administers its own PNPs. The eligibility criteria for these provincial nominee programs are unique and contingent upon the specific program you’re applying for.
Candidates with connections to a particular province, such as prior education, work experience in a high-demand occupation, or a job offer from an eligible employer within that province, are given priority. However, don’t fret if you lack such ties; possessing strong human capital attributes sought by the province can significantly bolster your candidacy.
PNPs represent the second-largest immigration pathway for individuals from India. While the 2024 target for Express Entry surpasses it, PNPs are forecasted to surpass all other immigration channels by 2025 and 2026, emerging as Canada’s primary avenue for welcoming newcomers.
Which one should you apply for?
Your decision to apply for Canada PR through Express Entry depends on personal circumstances and preferences.
Pro and Cons of Express Entry
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quick processing times | Higher CRS score requirement |
| Higher chances of selection with the right skills and work experience | No guarantee of provincial nomination |
| Freedom to live and work anywhere in Canada | A limited number of immigration programs |
Pros and Cons of PNPs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More program options to apply | Longer processing times |
| Opportunity to settle in a specific province or territory | Limited opportunities |
| A lower CRS score required | Requirements and eligibility criteria vary by province |
Now, the decision is yours!
If you wish to immigrate to Canada faster and have higher CRS scores, Express Entry is the ideal option for you. On the other hand, if you are interested in settling in a specific province or territory and fulfilling the eligibility criteria of a province, applying for a PNP will be a better option.
Take your time to weigh the advantages and drawbacks of each program thoroughly before reaching your ultimate choice. For a comprehensive insight into these programs, reach out to immigration consultants in India, such as Universal Adviser. Avail yourself of a complimentary consultation session to pinpoint the optimal option for your specific circumstances.
