Express Entry (PNP) | Canada Immigration Services

Express Entry (PNP) Process

Here's how the Express Entry process works for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

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Provincial Nominee (PNP) Express Entry Process

The Provincial Nominee (PNP) Express Entry process enables provinces and territories to nominate candidates from the Express Entry pool who match their economic needs, seamlessly aligning with the federal Express Entry system for faster processing. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score, virtually ensuring an invitation to apply for permanent residency.

How to apply For express entry (PNP)

This overview highlights the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) Express Entry process for PNP Express Entry streams.

Check your eligibility

Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for both the PNP Express Entry stream in your chosen province or territory and one of the three federal programs under Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class. Use the Government of Canada's online eligibility tool. You will need language test in English and/or French and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your education was obtained outside Canada. Additionally, you must have either a job offer in Canada or sufficient settlement funds.

Create an Express Entry profile

Create your Express Entry profile and select the provinces and territories that interest you. This will make your profile available for consideration by provinces and territories.

Apply for a nomination

Once your Express Entry profile is created, then apply for a provincial or territorial nomination where you want to live. If a province or territory sends you a "notification of interest," follow-up and apply for the nomination if you choose to proceed.

Update your Express Entry profile

After receiving a provincial nomination, update your Express Entry profile to include it. This will add 600 points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, virtually guaranteeing you'll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Receive your ITA and apply for permanent residence

If you receive an ITA, you will have 60 days to complete and submit your permanent residency application. To get an ITA, you must meet the draw criteria and have a CRS score above the minimum required for the round or invitations. IRCC conducts regular rounds of invitations, including General, FST, PNP, CEC, and category-based draws.

Applying for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) through Express Entry can be a great way to boost your chances of Canadian immigration, especially if you’re over 35 or need extra points. Cantrust Visa helps streamline the process by guiding you through eligibility, nomination, and document submission, ensuring your profile is completed accurately and professionally. Let us handle the details while you focus on planning your future in Canada.

PNP Express Entry streams FAQs

How much do PNP nominations cost?

The cost of a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination in Canada varies depending on the province or territory. Here are the approximate fees for some of the provinces:

Ontario: CAD 1,500 to CAD 2,000
British Columbia: CAD 1,150 to CAD 1,500
Alberta: No fee
Manitoba: CAD 500
Saskatchewan: CAD 350
Nova Scotia: No fee
Prince Edward Island: CAD 300
Newfoundland and Labrador: CAD 250
New Brunswick: CAD 250
Yukon: No fee

These fees are for the nomination application only and do not include other associated costs, such as federal processing fees or legal/consultant fees. It’s important to check the specific requirements and fees for the province or territory you are interested in, as they are subject to change without warning.

How long does it take to get a provincial nomination?

The time it takes to receive a provincial nomination through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) varies depending on the specific province or territory and the stream under which you’re applying. Here’s a general overview:

Provincial Processing:
- Express Entry Streams: Typically 2 to 3 months, up to 6 months.
- Non-Express Entry Streams: Can range from 4 to 11 months or longer, depending on the province and the complexity of the application.

Federal Processing (after nomination):
- Express Entry: Once nominated, the federal processing of your permanent residency application generally takes up to 6 months.
- Non-Express Entry: Federal processing can take up to 11 months or more, depending on the applicant’s country of residence and other factors.

Overall, the total processing time from applying for a PNP nomination to obtaining permanent residency can range from about 8 months to 2 years, with exceptional cases taking longer. Checking the most recent updates from the specific province or IRCC is recommended for the most accurate processing times.

When should I decline an ITA for Permanent Residence?

You might consider declining an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence under certain circumstances, such as:

Ineligibility: If you realize that you don’t meet the eligibility criteria for the program under which you received the ITA (e.g., work experience, language requirements, or proof of funds), it might be better to decline the ITA. Submitting an application without meeting the requirements could lead to refusal and potentially impact future applications.
Incorrect Information: If your Express Entry profile contains errors or outdated information, and these issues affect your eligibility or score, it’s advisable to decline the ITA. Correcting the information and re-entering the pool with an accurate profile is better than risking a rejection.
Change in Circumstances: If your situation has changed (e.g., job loss, change in family composition, or health issues) and you no longer meet the requirements, it might be wise to decline the ITA.
Insufficient Time: If you feel you won’t be able to gather all the necessary documents or complete your application within the 60-day deadline, you might consider declining the ITA to avoid submitting an incomplete application.
Higher CRS Score: If you believe you can improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score significantly by gaining additional work experience, improving your language scores, or obtaining a provincial nomination, declining the ITA and reapplying later could be advantageous.
Consideration of Other Immigration Options: If you’ve been invited under a program that doesn’t align with your long-term goals or you have other potential immigration options, it might be better to decline the ITA.

Remember, if you decline an ITA, your profile will remain in the Express Entry pool (provided it is still valid), and you may receive another ITA in a future draw. However, if you accept the ITA and submit an application that is later refused, you might face delays or complications in future applications.

Do I need to accept or decline a provincial nomination?

Yes, you need to accept or decline a provincial nomination in the Express Entry system. If a province or territory nominates you through Express Entry, you will receive a notification of the nomination in your Express Entry profile.

Accepting the Nomination: If you accept the nomination, you will automatically receive 600 additional points toward your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the next draw.
Declining the Nomination: If you decline the nomination, you will not receive the additional points, and the nomination will be removed from your profile. You can remain in the Express Entry pool and be considered in future draws or pursue other provincial nominations.

Make sure to review the nomination offer carefully before deciding.

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