What is Express Entry?
The Canadian government uses Express Entry to administer permanent residency applications for immigration programs. It uses a point-based system that ranks and evaluates individuals based on their age, education, language skills, job experience, and other characteristics.
What is PNP (Provincial Nominee Program)
The PNP is a program in which Canadian provinces invite applicants for Canada PR based on their unique labor market requirements. The qualifying requirements and selection procedure for the PNP differ by province or territory, and some may be trying to fill certain jobs or sectors.
Key Differences
– Express Entry is managed by the federal Canadian government manages under the skilled worker program, while Provincial Nominee Program is managed by individual provinces. Each of Canada’s thirteen provinces and territories, for example, has its own PNP program with many streams.
-The main distinction between Express Entry and PNP is that if a candidate obtains PR through Express Entry, they are free to relocate and work anywhere in Canada (Quebec is an exception because it has its own immigration program called the Quebec Selected Skilled Worker Programme (QSSW)).
However, this may not be the case with the PNP. This is because the PNP allows a candidate to apply for PR in a specific province of Canada. Applicants are expected to stay in that province for at least two years. They may, however, migrate to the other province if unable to obtain a job or for other justifiable reasons.
-Express Entry programs have particular qualifications, such as basic language skills, age, and education. As a result, if you do not have enough points under Express Entry due to language skills or a lack of education, PNP may be a preferable choice to consider. In general, provincial programs prioritize the occupation sector and streams under which particular occupation lies.
-Express Entry uses a point-based mechanism known as the Comprehensive Ranking mechanism (CRS) to select candidates. PNP, on the other hand, prioritizes persons who can work in sectors and industries with labor shortages while also contributing to the economy.
-Express Entry applicants have a processing time of an average of six months or so. However, the processing time varies for the PNP as it depends on the program the application is submitted through.
Conclusion
In 2023, the choice between PNP and Express Entry will be based on individual circumstances and choices. Express Entry may be a preferable alternative for candidates who want quicker processing timelines and have higher CRS scores. And Candidates that match the qualifying conditions and are interested in settling in a certain province or territory may discover that the PNP is a preferable alternative.