Have you come across an article, blog or any written sample on Canada’s immigration earlier?
If yes, then it’s quite hard for you to miss terms like Express entry program and provincial nominee program. As we know, Canada is one of the most favourable countries in the world which offers liberal immigration policies for individuals of different nationalities to enter across its boundaries. And, these two are the primary categories of Canada’s immigration programs through which an immigrant can apply for Canada’s permanent residency. So, now in this post, let’s understand these terms and the difference between them.
Federal Express entry program is one of the major drivers of skilled immigrants to the country through its three economic immigration programs including, Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class and Canadian Experience Class. The term Federal in the name of the program clearly indicates that the federal government of Canada is responsible for the operation and management of this program in the country.
Whereas, the government of Canadian provinces operate provincial nominee programs to nominate candidates for Permanent residence in the country. In total, there are 11 immigration pathways under Canadian provincial nominee program. Each PNP has its set of prerequisites to test whether the skills of the candidate are parallel with the needs and protocols of the province’s market or not.
Both of these programs destined to Canada permanent residency; however, most of the prospects get confused between them because of their different pathways. So, the following is the list of points based on which it is easy to understand the difference between both of them, which helps you to understand your appropriate match for PR.
· Language proficiency:
Canada has two official languages, English, and French so, it makes mandatory for every immigrant to have linguistic knowledge in either. He/she must be well-versed in reading, writing, speaking and understanding them. For that, the Canadian government requires scorecard of some world-wide approved language proficiency tests like IELTS, TEF, and CELPIP. Moreover, it uses the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) as a national standard to test learning language in Canada. It comprises of 12 levels. The first four levels indicate lower proficiency and higher levels CLB 9,10, 11, 12 indicate greater proficiency.
Irrespective of the immigration programs, an applicant needs to appear in the language proficiency test. However, the minimum requirement of the CLB level for PNP is lower than that of express entry. For instance, minimum CLB level for Federal Skilled Worker Class (Express entry) is 7, and for Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (PNP) it is only 4.
· Work experience:
Both the programs entertain experienced candidates only so that, they can easily contribute to the economy immediately after the immigration. However, rules are more rigid for Express entry program. Express entry system accepts work experience only in Skill Type 0, A and B, whereas; the PNP accepts work experience in Skill Type C and D as well.
- Skill Type 0 (zero) includes management jobs such as restaurant managers, mine managers, shore captains (fishing)
- Skill Level A includes professional jobs that require a degree from a university such as doctors, dentists, architects
- Skill Level B includes technical jobs and skilled trades that require a college diploma or training as an apprentice such as chefs, plumbers, electricians
- Skill Level C includes intermediate jobs that require high school or job-specific training such as industrial butchers, long-haul truck drivers, food and beverage servers
- Skill Level D includes labor jobs that require job training such as fruit pickers, cleaning staff, oil field workers
· Chances of getting PR:
Express entry is a generalized platform which allows an individual to live, work and study anywhere in Canada whereas PNP is more localized. The number of invitations issued in Express entry program is larger than PNP.
For instance, the latest Express entry draw issued invitations to 3, 350 immigration candidates; on the other hand, PNP issued invitations to the maximum of 500-600 immigration candidates. Therefore, chances of getting PR are more in Express entry pool than provincial nominee program.
· Education:
In many Provincial Nominee Programs, there is no minimum requirement for education, which makes it easier for immigrants to apply. However, a minimum of the secondary diploma or high school diploma is necessary to become eligible for Express entry program.
· Processing time:
To approve applications for PR, Canadian PNPs take more time than the Express entry programs. The average processing time for Express entry program is six months whereas, for PNPs, it is around 12 months. The reason for the PNP of having a time-consuming immigration process is the approved applications from the province needs the approval of the federal government too.
· CRS Score:
CRS stands for Comprehensive Ranking System which is used to score the profiles in the pool of candidates. Based on the responses on factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, each candidate is awarded a CRS score. Only higher-scoring candidates receive an invitation to apply for PR. As compared to Express entry program, minimum CRS score drawn in PNP is lower. So, candidates with average CRS score usually apply to PNP for PR.
These are some common differences between PNP and Express entry program so according to your profile and priorities, you can choose one of them. For any query or information, contact experts of countrywide visas. Countrywide visas is one of the fastest growing Immigration consultancies with a large, devoted team of Immigration experts offer hassle-free and professional services to its clients. They help aspiring immigrants in filing their applications for various immigration programs.
You are welcome to call us or send us an email with your immigration questions and inquiries. You may contact us on 011-41075840 / 011-41045840 or leave a mail at info@countrywidevisas.com. You may also fill the Technical Assessment Form for free to get a call back from our Immigration Specialists. All you need to do is fill an assessment form and let our immigration experts assist you over the phone call or by meeting you in person and give you the best available options to fulfil your dreams of settling abroad.