Many provinces in Canada have paused or closed some of their immigration programs in 2025, especially those under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). While that might sound like bad news, it’s actually a positive change for many skilled foreign workers already living in Canada.
This is because Canada is now focusing more on its federal immigration system, especially the Express Entry program, which could make it easier and faster for qualified candidates to get permanent residence (PR).
Why the Focus is Shifting to Express Entry
In 2025, Canada increased the number of people it plans to accept through Express Entry to 124,590, which is over 53% of all planned economic immigrants. In comparison, only 39% of economic immigrants were expected to come through Express Entry in 2024.
At the same time, Canada cut its PNP admission targets by half, going from 110,000 in 2024 to 55,000 in 2025. This means more spots are now open under Express Entry, giving skilled workers more chances to be selected—especially those already working in Canada.
Express Entry Now Favors Canadian Work Experience
The Canadian government is also giving more importance to people with work experience inside Canada. If you’ve worked here for at least one year in a skilled job, especially under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) are much higher.
Even though Canada hasn’t had a general Express Entry draw since April 23, 2024, it has been holding targeted draws for French speakers, PNP nominees, people with Canadian work experience, and those in high-demand fields.
Why Express Entry Might Be Better Than PNP
There are a few reasons why many people now prefer Express Entry over the PNP:
You can choose where to live
Express Entry allows you to move and live anywhere in Canada (except Quebec). But with PNP, you’re tied to the province that nominated you. That can limit your job choices and make it harder to relocate if something better comes along.
Easier to understand
Canada has over 80 different PNP streams, and each one has its own set of rules. It can be confusing and hard to figure out which one is best for you. In contrast, Express Entry programs like the Canadian Experience Class have simple and clear eligibility requirements, such as:
- One year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada in the past 3 years (about 1,560 hours).
- Meeting a basic English or French language level (CLB 5 or 7, depending on the job type).
- The work must be as a regular employee (not self-employed or during full-time studies, including co-op work).
Faster and simpler process
PNPs involve two steps—first, you apply to a province, then you apply to the federal government. Sometimes, even the provincial step has its own two-part process: submitting your profile, waiting for an invitation, and then applying for nomination.
Express Entry is much faster and more direct. You simply create a profile online, and if you meet the cut-off score, you get invited to apply for PR.
Shorter processing times
Once you apply for PR, Express Entry applications are processed in about five months, while PNP applications can take up to 20 months.
Real-Life Examples of How Express Entry Helps
Let’s look at two examples to see how Express Entry can work better than PNP:
Clara’s story
Clara, 27, studied math in Ontario but couldn’t find a job there after graduation. She moved to Manitoba and worked for two years on her Post-Graduation Work Permit.
She wouldn’t score well under Manitoba’s PNP because she studied in another province. She also doesn’t qualify for Ontario’s PNP without a job offer.
But with two years of Canadian work experience, strong English skills (CLB 9), and previous foreign work experience, Clara’s CRS score is 537. That’s above most of the Canadian Experience Class draws in 2025, which ranged between 521 and 547. So, she would likely get an invitation through Express Entry.
Mathias’ story
Mathias, 28, studied in British Columbia and completed a teacher training program. He now works as an elementary school teacher.
B.C.’s PNP prioritizes healthcare workers and entrepreneurs, so he has a low chance of nomination there.
But his CRS score is 532, thanks to Canadian experience and CLB 8 language proficiency. In 2025, a category-based draw for education professionals had a cut-off of 479, so Mathias would easily qualify through Express Entry.
PNP Closures in 2025
Some provinces have made major changes to their immigration streams this year:
- British Columbia closed its International Graduate streams and delayed new immigration pathways that were supposed to launch in 2025.
- New Brunswick paused its Strategic Initiative stream because it had already received enough applications.
All of this follows Canada’s 2025 immigration plan, which cut PNP spots in half and increased spots for Express Entry.
So, Who Benefits From This Change?
If you are a skilled worker already living in Canada, this shift toward Express Entry could work in your favor. It gives you more opportunities, simpler rules, and faster results—especially if you have Canadian work experience.
Q: I was planning to apply through a PNP. Should I be worried?
If you’re already in Canada and have skilled work experience, you might actually have better chances through Express Entry now. It’s faster, simpler, and more flexible.
Q: Can I still apply to a PNP if I want to?
Yes, some PNPs are still open, but their quotas are smaller. You’ll also need to meet their specific eligibility rules and commit to living in that province.
Q: What if I don’t have Canadian work experience?
You can still apply under other Express Entry programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program, but those with Canadian work experience currently have an advantage.
Q: How do I know if I qualify for Express Entry?
Take a free Express Entry assessment to check your score and eligibility. It’s the first step to understanding your options.
Q: Is Express Entry faster than PNP?
Yes. Express Entry applications are processed in about 5-6 months, while base PNP applications can take up to 20 months.
Let Ask Kubeir help you navigate these immigration changes. Our experts can assess your profile and guide you toward the fastest and most reliable path to Canadian permanent residence.
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