Express Entry / PNP
Permanent Residency through Express Entry or a Provincial Nomination
Canada offers a clear pathway from studying or working temporarily to becoming a permanent resident. Whether you're an international student or a foreign worker, programs like Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) can help you achieve your long-term goal of settling in Canada.
From International Student to Permanent Resident
If you’ve completed a program of study in Canada and gained Canadian work experience through a Post- Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you may qualify for Express Entry under the Canadian Experience Class. Many provinces also offer dedicated PNP streams for international graduates. This pathway allows you to build eligibility through education, language skills, and Canadian work experience—all factors that strengthen your PR application.
From Foreign Worker to Permanent Resident
What Is Express Entry?
Express Entry is an online system used by the Canadian government to manage permanent residence applications for skilled workers. Candidates are ranked using a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) based on factors like age, education, language ability, and work experience. The higher your score, the better your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Three Programs Under Express Entry
1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
For individuals with at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years. Ideal for international graduates and foreign workers currently living in Canada.
2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
For skilled professionals with foreign work experience. Selection is based on a points system that evaluates education, language ability, work experience, and adaptability.
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Designed for individuals with experience in a skilled trade, such as construction, cooking, or manufacturing. Applicants must meet job requirements for their trade and have a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification.
What Is a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
Provincial Nominee Programs allow provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to settle in a specific province. Each province has its own criteria and streams tailored to local labour needs. A provincial nomination gives you 600 additional CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an invitation through Express Entry. Some PNPs operate outside Express Entry, allowing direct applications to a province followed by a federal PR application.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility criteria for Express Entry?
To qualify for Express Entry, you must meet the criteria for one of the three programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades. This generally includes having at least 1 year of skilled work experience, passing a language test, and having your education assessed (if completed outside Canada).
How do I move from a work/study permit to permanent residency through Express Entry or PNP?
Once you have sufficient Canadian work experience (usually 1 year), you can create an Express Entry profile and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a PNP. Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or a provincial nomination can lead to permanent residency.
What is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and how can I improve my score?
The CRS is a points-based system used to rank candidates in Express Entry. It awards points for factors like age, education, work experience, and language ability. To boost your score, you can improve language test results, gain more Canadian work experience, obtain a job offer, or secure a provincial nomination (worth 600 points).
Can I apply for both Express Entry and a PNP at the same time?
Yes, you can apply for both. In fact, securing a PNP nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score in Express Entry, which can greatly increase your chances of receiving an invitation for permanent residency.
Do I need a job offer to apply for Express Entry?
No, a job offer is not required to apply for Express Entry.
Can I change provinces after receiving a PNP nomination?
PNP nominations are province-specific, so if you receive a nomination, it’s expected that you intend to live and work in that province. Moving to another province soon after obtaining permanent residency may affect future interactions with immigration services, as each PNP is designed to address specific provincial labor needs.
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