An ever demanded coMparison
For International Students, Workers and Foreign nationals
Growing pool of highly talented individuals within Canada is creating fears competition among themselves to get Permanent Residency (PR). This trend is making the international students & workers within Canada to look for the most viable option and create a good immigration plan from day 1.
What is the difference?
| Criteria | PNP or Quebec Immigration Programs | Express Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Programs run by | Provincial or Territory | Federal Government |
| Number of Programs | 80+ | 3 |
| Points System | Eligibility Points Grid Varies by Province | Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) |
| Ways to apply | 2 With or Without Express Entry | 1 With Express Entry |
| Job Offer Requirement | Yes Most Programs | No |
| Can live anywhere in Canada? | No Moving provinces, breaches your intent | Yes |
| Processing Time | 6-12 Months PNPs Express Entry linked 15 to 37 Months Non-Express Entry linked PNPs | 6 to 12 Months |
| Government Fees | CAD $250 to 3,500 Depends on the Program | CAD $1,365 |
Tips
Do you know? Eligible applicants can have profiles in Express Entry, Quebec Skilled Worker and PNP at the same time!
A chance to maximize the likelihood of being accepted.
Express Entry
Candidates eligible under one of Canada’s federal economic Express Entry programs (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class or Federal Trade Worker) may create a profile and wait to be invited to apply for PR. The Express Entry system holds regular draws where candidates above the CRS cut-off may receive an invitation to apply (ITA).
Being a federal system, Express Entry serves an umbrella to many immigration programs including Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Candidates in the Express Entry pool also have the chance to be invited by a province. It means that by submitting a profile to the Express Entry pool, you also have the chance to receive an immigration invitation from a PNP, and the Federal programs.
Quebec’s Regular Skilled Worker Program
(RSWP)
Quebec’s immigration system operates independently from the rest of Canada. Individuals intending to reside in Quebec must first apply to the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) for approval.
Quebec’s Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP) also uses a points-based system to determine who can apply, and who will receive a permanent selection from the province. Candidates interested in applying through the QSWP must submit a profile to Quebec’s Arrima portal. Like Express Entry, Quebec holds regular draws that may target a minimum Arrima score, among other criteria. Arrima draws determine the permanent selection, and eventually, permanent residence.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Canada has more than 80 different types of PNP and Pilot Immigration Programs. The determination of your location of establishment has a great impact on your program selection.
The establishment includes, but not limited to, place of study, current employment, future employment opportunity, Language skills (English and French), age, family composition, close family member’s immigration status in Canada, your past education and experience.
Pros & Cons of Express Entry v/s PNP/Quebec Immigration Programs
| Programs | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry | – No Job Offer Requirement – High chance of selection, if you have the right skills and background – Fast Processing Times – Live Anywhere in Canada | – Limited Programs – High competition from around the world – May Require a Valid Job Offer |
| PNP or Quebec Immigration programs | – A Large Number of Programs – More Ways to Apply (Express Entry linked or stand-alone) | – Limited Mobility – Potentially High Government Fees – Potentially Long Processing Times |