For PR should I apply to PNP or Express Entry Canada?

For PR should I apply to PNP or Express Entry Canada?

2023 is almost near its end and Canada has seen many positive updates towards immigration. From the latest introduction to immigration strategy to the unveiling of the immigration levels plan promising 2024 – 485,000 PR visa approvals and 500,000 for 2025 and 2026. However, the age-old question still exists for Canada permanent residency aspirants that, “For PR should I apply to PNP or Express Entry Canada?“.

The idea of this blog post is to share the pros and cons of both PNP and Express Entry Canada PR pathways. And help you choose which is the best as per 2023 and 2024 visa approval projections, trends and draw patterns.

So, let us begin with understanding what is PNP program and Express Entry (EE) System for Canada.

Express Entry (EE) System – PR visa in 6 to 12 months!

The Express Entry for Canada is the most famous and fastest pathway for a PR visa. Every year, thousands of people enter Canada as PR visa holders via the Express Entry (EE) System. The reason for its popularity is fast-track visa processing, ease of access, points system to get and raise your CRS score, and the multiple draws system. All such reasons contribute to the popularity of this PR visa pathway.

But with popularity comes the cons which we must see to make a careful future decision.

This system was launched on Jan 01, 2015,

For PR should I apply to PNP or Express Entry Canada?

2023 is almost near its end and Canada has seen many positive updates towards immigration. From the latest introduction to immigration strategy to the unveiling of the immigration levels plan promising 2024 – 485,000 PR visa approvals and 500,000 for 2025 and 2026. However, the age-old question still exists for Canada permanent residency aspirants that, “For PR should I apply to PNP or Express Entry Canada?“.

The idea of this blog post is to share the pros and cons of both PNP and Express Entry Canada PR pathways. And help you choose which is the best as per 2023 and 2024 visa approval projections, trends and draw patterns.

So, let us begin with understanding what is PNP program and Express Entry (EE) System for Canada.

Express Entry (EE) System – PR visa in 6 to 12 months!

The Express Entry for Canada is the most famous and fastest pathway for a PR visa. Every year, thousands of people enter Canada as PR visa holders via the Express Entry (EE) System. The reason for its popularity is fast-track visa processing, ease of access, points system to get and raise your CRS score, and the multiple draws system. All such reasons contribute to the popularity of this PR visa pathway.

But with popularity comes the cons which we must see to make a careful future decision.

This system was launched on Jan 01, 2015, to fast-track Canada PR visa application processing. Before this, there was no set timeline for the same. Also, we get a point-based system that helps to:

• Firstly, check eligibility to apply.
• Secondly, score our EE profiles as per the CRS.

Everyone is aware that IRCC holds periodic draws under which applicants who match the CRS cut-off get ITA to submit a PR visa application. Thus, in 60 days you must submit a complete and error-free visa application. If your application is processed successfully, you will get a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). With the same, you can settle and work anywhere in Canada. Besides, a Canada PR visa is a family visa. So, your family members can move to Canada with you.

What benefit do I get from applying to Express Entry Canada for a PR visa?

The benefits of getting PR and applying via the EE System are many. Some of the pointers are as follows:

• Firstly, 3 sub-categories offer flexible eligibility criteria.
• Secondly. you have options to raise your CRS rank by:
  • Getting a job offer from Canada OR
  • PNP nomination
• Also, 6 EE draw types help the selection of applicants as per their higher rank and or skills.
  • All-program draw
  • FSW draw
  • FST draw
  • CEC draw
  • PNP draw
  • Category based draws
    • Healthcare
    • Trade occupations
    • Agri-food and agriculture
    • Transport occupations
    • STEM
    • French language skills
• Besides, submit a PR visa application in just 60 days.
• Fast visa processing – Get PR in 6 to 12 months.
• Moreover, post visa approval you can live and work anywhere in Canada.
• Finally, you can submit your family members’ PR visa applications together.

What are the cons of applying to Express Entry Canada?

A lot of people applying to the EE System often find the technical navigation a bit complex. This means understanding the technical and legal jargon in the eligibility and draw criteria. For example, to apply:

• Firstly, you need to create an online EE profile.
• To do the same you can apply under 1 of the EE sub-streams such as:
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program – 6 selection factors.
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program – Selection criteria applicable for skilled trades.
  • Canadian Experience Class – Selection criteria applicable for people with work experience in Canada.
  • So, 3 sub-streams with 3 separate eligibility criteria.
• The Express Entry System selects highly skilled foreign workers.
  • But apart from FSWP, the other sub-streams result in lower CRS rank in the EE pool. Because of lower eligibility terms.
  • Higher eligibility terms mean a higher score and higher CRS rank.
• IRCC does have 6 EE draws to help all applicants. However, all EE draws are periodic and subject to IRCC’s discretion.
  • No one knows IRCC will conduct which type of EE draw and when.
  • This is why immigration experts study EE draw trends and patterns influenced by Canada’s economic and labour market needs.

However, one can not deny super-fast access to PR visas via the Express Entry (EE) System. 

Provincial Nominee Program – PNP nomination aiding Canada PR visa

Another famous PR pathway for Canada is the Provincial Nominee Program or PNP. It was launched in 1989 to spread the benefits of immigration to all provinces and territories. 

9 provinces and 2 territories (except Quebec and Nunavut) take part in the PNP program. As per the same select applicants whose skills are in demand in a particular province/territory. The PNP program helps the provinces and territories select skilled workers as per their economic and labour market needs. So, if you have the right skills for the right job then you will get a provincial nomination.

A PNP nomination further helps you to claim permanent residency in Canada.

Why should I apply to the PNP program for a provincial nomination?

The application for the Provincial Nomination Certificate has 2 separate paths under the PNP program. And is as follows:

Base PNPs

These are PNP sub-streams that are not linked with the Express Entry (EE) System. So, you will apply directly to the province as per its sub-stream and get a provincial nomination. Provinces/territories hold periodic PNP draws and select applicants as per their draw criteria. 

After getting a nomination you can apply directly to IRCC for a Canada PR visa.

Enhanced PNPs

These refer to PNP sub-streams that are linked to the Express Entry (EE) System. As a result, once you clear the PNP draw and get a PNC, you get an extra 600 CRS score in the EE pool.

The Express Entry + PNP pathway in 2023 is the most favoured pathway for PR visas. And helps applicants with lower CRS ranks to raise it and get an ITA for a Canada PR visa.

So, under PNP you have two pathways to choose as per your immigration goals. Also, these pathways come with their terms such as provinces like:

• Manitoba – MPNP requires applicants to have a job offer or a connection with the province via family, study, or work.
• However, Saskatchewan – SINP, Nova Scotia – NSNP, Alberta – AAIP, Ontario – OINP and Prince Edward Island – PEI PNP do not require a job offer to apply.

As a result, you must choose a PNP program that best suits your needs. 

Which program to choose PNP or Express Entry Canada?

For PR should I apply to PNP or Express Entry Canada? Well, the answer to your question depends on:

• Alignment of immigration goals with visa program.
• Either settle anywhere in Canada via Express Entry OR
• Choose a province of your choice.
• Visa processing timelines.
• Complexity of the eligibility criteria, application system, documentation etc.

In short, you must consider all the above to make a sound decision. Besides, you can always take the assistance of a CICC Licensed Immigration Consultant. Why? – Read here to know the – 6 reasons why you need a licensed immigration consultant for Canada visa approval.

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