Express Entry vs PNP: which Canadian visa is right for you?
Express Entry is the federal points-ranked system; a Provincial Nominee Program adds 600 CRS points for a near-certain invitation but ties you to that province.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Express Entry (Economic Immigration System) (Express Entry) | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Permanent / PR | Permanent / PR |
| Who it's for | Skilled workers who want permanent residence through one of Canada's three federal economic programs. | Workers nominated by a province or territory to meet local labour needs and become permanent residents. |
| Government cost | ~CA$1,525 (CA$950 processing + CA$575 RPRF) | ~CA$1,525 federal + provincial fee (free to ~CA$2,000 depending on province) |
| Processing time | ~6 months after an invitation to apply | ~6 months (Express Entry stream) or ~11-13 months (base/paper stream) |
| Length of stay | Permanent | Permanent |
| Where to apply | Online (create a profile, then apply after an invitation) | Apply to a province first, then to IRCC (online or paper) |
| Work rights | Full work rights once PR is granted | Full work rights as a permanent resident |
| Points-tested | Yes | Yes |
| Pathway to PR | Express Entry is itself the route to permanent residence and, after meeting residency, to citizenship. | A provincial nomination leads directly to permanent residence; enhanced streams add 600 CRS points. |
Which is right for you?
Express Entry (Economic Immigration System) (Express Entry)
Skilled workers who want permanent residence through one of Canada's three federal economic programs.
Full Express Entry guide →Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Workers nominated by a province or territory to meet local labour needs and become permanent residents.
Full PNP guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Express Entry or PNP?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Express Entry (Economic Immigration System) (Express Entry) is the lowest at ~CA$1,525 (CA$950 processing + CA$575 RPRF). Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, Express Entry or PNP?
Indicatively Express Entry (Economic Immigration System) (Express Entry) is the quickest at ~6 months after an invitation to apply. Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
Do all of these lead to permanent residence?
Yes. Express Entry: Express Entry is itself the route to permanent residence and, after meeting residency, to citizenship. PNP: A provincial nomination leads directly to permanent residence; enhanced streams add 600 CRS points.
What's the main difference between Express Entry and PNP?
Express Entry (Economic Immigration System) (Express Entry) is for skilled workers who want permanent residence through one of Canada's three federal economic programs. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is for workers nominated by a province or territory to meet local labour needs and become permanent residents.