Express Entry PNP vs Non Express Entry PNP in Canada

If you are considering a provincial nomination, it is important to understand the difference between Express Entry PNP and non-Express Entry PNP pathways in Canada.

The main difference between Express Entry PNP and Non-Express Entry PNP is that Express Entry nominations add 600 CRS points to an Express Entry profile, while non-Express Entry nominations lead to permanent residence through a separate application to IRCC.

Many international graduates and skilled workers in Canada hear about the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), but they are not always clear about this important distinction.

Some PNP streams are connected to Express Entry. Others are completely separate.

Understanding this difference can help you plan a much clearer immigration strategy.

In a nutshell:

• Express Entry aligned PNP adds 600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile
• Non Express Entry PNP leads to permanent residence through the PR Portal after nomination

Official IRCC explanation of the Provincial Nominee Program:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/provincial-nominees.html

The Two Provincial Nominee Pathways

1. Express Entry aligned PNP (Enhanced Nomination)

This pathway only works if you already qualify for one of the Express Entry programs.

These include:

• Canadian Experience Class
• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program

IRCC explains the Express Entry system here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry.html

How it works

1. Create an Express Entry profile

2. Enter the pool of candidates

3. Apply to a province or receive a provincial invitation

4. Accept the provincial nomination

5. Your CRS score increases by 600 points

IRCC CRS scoring criteria:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/check-score.html

In practice, this increase often moves candidates into a much stronger position for an Invitation to Apply, although draws and eligibility criteria can change.

Example

An international student graduates from a Canadian university and works for one year in a skilled job.

They qualify for Canadian Experience Class and enter the Express Entry pool with a CRS score of 460.

If a province nominates them through an Express Entry aligned stream, their score becomes:

460 + 600 = 1060 CRS

This makes them highly competitive for an upcoming Express Entry draw.

2. Non Express Entry PNP (Base Nomination)

Some provincial programs do not require you to be in Express Entry.

Instead, you apply directly to the province. If nominated, you apply to IRCC separately.

This application is submitted through the Permanent Residence Portal.

IRCC explanation of non Express Entry PNP applications:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/provincial-nominees/non-express-entry.html

How it works

1. Apply directly to a provincial stream

2. Receive a provincial nomination

3. Apply for permanent residence through IRCC

4. IRCC reviews the PR application

Historically these applications were described as “paper based,” but most applications are now submitted through IRCC’s online PR portal.

Provincial Examples

Different provinces offer both Express Entry and non Express Entry options.

British Columbia

BC runs two main pathways:

• Express Entry BC
• Skills Immigration (non Express Entry)

Official BC PNP website:
https://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate-to-B-C/BC-PNP

Example:
A tech worker in Vancouver may qualify for Express Entry BC Skilled Worker if they already have an Express Entry profile.

Another worker might apply through Skills Immigration without Express Entry.

Ontario

Ontario runs several Express Entry streams and also non Express Entry streams.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-immigrant-nominee-program

Examples include:

Express Entry streams
• Human Capital Priorities Stream
• Skilled Trades Stream

Non Express Entry streams
• Employer Job Offer
• International Student Stream

Alberta

Alberta also uses both models.

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program:
https://www.alberta.ca/aaip.aspx

One example is the Alberta Express Entry Stream, which selects candidates directly from the Express Entry pool.

Common Misunderstandings

“PNP always means Express Entry”

Not correct.

Many provincial streams operate outside Express Entry.

“You only need CLB 7”

Language requirements depend on the specific immigration program.

Express Entry eligibility varies between Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and other pathways.

“A nomination guarantees permanent residence”

A provincial nomination strengthens an application, but IRCC still assesses admissibility and eligibility before issuing permanent residence.

When Each Pathway Makes Sense

Express Entry aligned PNP is often stronger if:

• you already qualify for Express Entry
• your CRS score is competitive but not enough for an invitation
• you have Canadian work experience

Non Express Entry PNP can be useful if:

• you do not qualify for Express Entry yet
• your language score is lower
• you are applying through an employer based provincial stream

Choosing the right pathway depends on the full immigration profile.

Related Immigration Topics

You may also find these resources useful.

Express Entry official guide
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry.html

BC Provincial Nominee Program
https://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate-to-B-C/BC-PNP

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-immigrant-nominee-program

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program
https://www.alberta.ca/aaip.aspx

If you want a realistic assessment of which pathway may fit your situation, you can book a consultation and we can review your eligibility and immigration strategy in detail.

Mehdi is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC-IRB), an immigrant himself who has lived most of his life in Canada. He carries a deep passion for helping others navigate the same system that once shaped his own journey.

With a background spanning IT, healthcare, and business, Mehdi brings a rare combination of analytical precision and human understanding to every case. Before founding Immigreen Consulting, he spent years working in the health sector and technology fields, developing the problem-solving skills and empathy that now define his approach to complex immigration cases.

As a father, advocate for dignity and fairness, and someone who believes in second chances, Mehdi specializes in challenging applications—from humanitarian and compassionate PR cases to residency obligation appeals, spousal sponsorships, and refused visa re-applications. His work is guided by one simple principle: every client deserves trusted, human-centered representation and a voice that’s heard.

Outside his practice, Mehdi is an aviation enthusiast, lifelong athlete, and former martial arts competitor. He has volunteered with youth programs, taught martial arts, and supported foster children in care homes. He has also tutored underprivileged students, continuing his lifelong mission of helping people grow, belong, and thrive.

I treat every case like it’s personal. Because for my clients, it is.

About the author, Mehdi Nafisi

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