Express Entry Programs

The Canadian government launched Express Entry, an online immigration application system, in 2015 to streamline the immigration process for skilled professionals seeking permanent residency in Canada. Prospective immigrants appreciate this program since it reduces paperwork and speeds up approval. There are three primary types of participants in the Express Entry program:

• The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): The FSWP is for skilled workers who have at least one year of full-time work experience in a skilled occupation and meet other eligibility criteria, such as language proficiency and education level. Applicants are awarded points based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score that considers factors such as age, language proficiency, education, work experience, and other factors.
• The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): The FSTP is for skilled trades workers who have work experience in a skilled trade and meet other eligibility criteria, such as language proficiency and education level. Applicants are awarded points based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score that considers factors such as age, language proficiency, education, work experience, and other factors.
• The Canadian Experience Class (CEC): The CEC is for individuals who have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada and meet other eligibility criteria, such as language proficiency and education level. Applicants are awarded points based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score that considers factors such as age, language proficiency, education, work experience, and other factors.

The eligibility criteria for the Express Entry program vary depending on the specific category an applicant applies under. However, all applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French and meet specific minimum requirements for education and work experience. Additionally, applicants must score particular points on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to be eligible for the Express Entry program.

Benefits of the Express Entry program include:

• A streamlined application process.
• A faster processing time.
• The ability to apply for permanent residency without a job offer.

However, drawbacks include the highly competitive nature of the program, the requirement to meet specific eligibility criteria, and the need to score a certain number of points on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

Provincial Nominee Programs

Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs) are another popular way for skilled workers who want to move to Canada and live there permanently. Each province and territory in Canada has its own PNP, and each has its qualifying requirements, the application process, processing times, benefits, drawbacks, and other essential things to consider.

PNPs typically focus on attracting skilled workers who have the skills and experience needed to contribute to the province's economy and workforce. The programs are designed to allow provinces and territories to select immigrants who have the skills and experience needed to meet their specific labor market needs. Some of the most popular PNPs include:

• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP): The BC PNP is designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates who wish to live and work in British Columbia. Eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific category, but typically include work experience, education, language proficiency, and a job offer in a skilled occupation.
• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): The OINP is designed to attract skilled workers, international students, and entrepreneurs who wish to live and work in Ontario. Eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific category, but typically include work experience, education, language proficiency, and a job offer in a skilled occupation.
• Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP): The AINP is designed to attract skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs who wish to live and work in Alberta. Eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific category, but typically include work experience, education, language proficiency, and a job offer in a skilled occupation.

The eligibility criteria for PNPs vary depending on the specific province and program that an applicant applies under. However, all applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French and meet certain minimum requirements for education and work experience. Additionally, applicants must meet the specific eligibility criteria for the program they are applying under.

Benefits of PNPs include:

• The ability to live and work in a specific province or territory.
• A potential pathway to permanent residency.
• The opportunity to apply for a job without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Differences and similarities between Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the Express Entry program and PNPs vary significantly. Express Entry is primarily based on skilled work experience and language proficiency, whereas PNPs are typically based on a combination of work experience, education, language proficiency, and a job offer in the specific province or territory.

Application Process

The application process for the Express Entry program and PNPs is similar in some ways, but there are significant differences. Both programs require the creation of an online profile and submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI), but the specific requirements and processing times vary between the two programs.

Processing Time

The processing time for Express Entry applications is generally faster than for PNPs. The government of Canada aims to process 80% of complete Express Entry applications within six months, and the program offers a streamlined application process that makes it an attractive option for skilled workers who wish to obtain permanent residency in Canada.

However, as of April 2023, the estimated processing times for some popular PNPs are as follows:

• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP): 2-3 months for the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC categories, and 4-6 months for the Entrepreneur Immigration category.
• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): 60-180 days for the Human Capital and Business categories.
• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP): 3-6 months for the International Skilled Worker category.
• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP): 3-6 months for the Skilled Worker Overseas category.

The processing time for PNPs can vary significantly depending on the specific province or territory and the number of applications received.

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system used to evaluate Express Entry candidates. PNPs typically have their own selection criteria and point system, which may be different from the CRS.

Job Offer Requirement

While a job offer is not required for the Express Entry program, it is typically required for PNPs. The job offer must be in a skilled occupation and meet the specific requirements of the province or territory.

Express Entry Pool vs Provincial/Territorial Database

Express Entry candidates are placed in a pool, and those with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residency. PNPs typically have their own database of candidates, and those who meet the specific criteria are invited to apply for nomination.

Language Proficiency

Language proficiency is an essential requirement for both the Express Entry program and PNPs.

The language tests that are accepted for the Express Entry program are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for English and the Test d'évaluation de français (TEF) for French. The minimum required scores may vary depending on the specific program and category, but typically range from 6.0 to 7.5 for the IELTS and from 4 to 5 for the TEF.

PNP language requirements differ by province or territory and program. For instance, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) requires applicants to take an approved language test and score a minimum in the four language skills. For English and French, the BC PNP accepts IELTS and TEF. The minimum IELTS score is 4.0, and the TEF score is 181–309.However, the specific language requirements and testing methods may differ between the two programs.

Processing Fees

Both the Express Entry program and PNPs require payment of processing fees.

Here are the current processing fees as of April 2023:

Express Entry Program:

• The permanent residency application fee for the Express Entry program is CAD $825 per adult applicant (18 years or older).
• There is also an additional Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) of CAD $500 per adult applicant (18 years or older) that must be paid before the applicant can become a permanent resident of Canada.

Provincial Nominee Programs:

• The processing fees for PNPs vary depending on the specific province or territory and the program. For example, the processing fees for the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) range from CAD $700 to CAD $1,150 depending on the category.
• In addition to the provincial processing fees, there is also a federal processing fee for the permanent residency application, which is CAD $825 per adult applicant (18 years or older).
• There is also an additional Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) of CAD $500 per adult applicant (18 years or older) that must be paid before the applicant can become a permanent resident of Canada.

Provincial/Territorial Residency Requirement

PNPs typically require applicants to commit to living and working in the specific province or territory for a certain period. There is no such requirement for the Express Entry program.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both programs offer a variety of eligibility criteria, application processes, processing times, benefits, drawbacks, and other essential factors to consider.

If you are looking for a way to improve your chances, the Express Entry program could be an excellent option! The faster processing time and streamlined application process are significant advantages for those seeking permanent residency in Canada. It's great to know that both programs have their benefits and drawbacks. The best program for each individual will depend on their specific skills and experience, long-term goals, and personal and professional plans.