For many foreign nationals dreaming of Canadian permanent residency (PR), the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offers a promising pathway—especially if your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score isn’t high enough for Express Entry.
As of 2025, the Express Entry pool is highly competitive, with CRS cutoffs for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws ranging between 521 and 542. If you don’t qualify for category-based draws or lack the points for direct ITA (Invitation to Apply), the PNP could be your best shot at Canadian PR.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
The PNP is a two-step process:
Provincial Nomination – A Canadian province or territory selects you based on their economic needs.
Federal PR Application – After nomination, you apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency.
Each province has its own eligibility criteria, so you’ll need to research which stream fits your profile.
With over 80 PNP streams available, finding the right one is key. Factors include:
Some provinces prioritize in-demand occupations, while others focus on international graduates or skilled workers.
| Feature | Base PNP | Enhanced PNP |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry Required? | No | Yes |
| Processing Time After Nomination | ~21 months | ~6 months |
| CRS Points Awarded | No | +600 points |
| Occupation Level | TEER 0-5 (varies) | TEER 0-3 only |
Enhanced PNP (Express Entry-Linked)
Requires an active Express Entry profile.
Faster PR processing (6 months).
+600 CRS points guaranteed if nominated.
Base PNP (Non-Express Entry)
No Express Entry profile needed.
Slower processing (up to 21 months).
Wider range of eligible occupations.
Provinces use different methods to select candidates:
Submit a full application directly to the province.
Common for job offer-based streams.
Enter a provincial candidate pool (e.g., Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream).
If selected, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for nomination.
Some provinces (like Nova Scotia) automatically search Express Entry for candidates.
If selected, you’ll receive a Notification of Interest (NOI).
| Fee Type | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Provincial Application Fee | 0−0−2,500 (workers) / Up to $10,000 (entrepreneurs) |
| Federal PR Processing Fee | $950 (principal applicant) |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | $575 |
| Biometrics | $85 per person |
| Language Test (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF) | 300−300−400 |
| Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) | 210−210−260 |
| Medical Exam | 100−100−320 |
Total Estimated Cost: 2,500−2,500−5,000+ (varies by province and family size).
In late 2024, the federal government cut PNP allocations in half, reducing nominations from 110,000 (2024) to 55,000 (2025).
As a result:
Despite tighter quotas, the PNP remains a viable option for those who don’t qualify for Express Entry.
Research Provinces – Identify which PNP streams match your skills.
Boost Your Profile – Improve language scores, gain Canadian work experience, or secure a job offer.
Consult an Expert – An RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) Sanjay Prasher can help navigate complex requirements.
At Canadian Title Immigration and Visa Consulting Inc. (CTIVCI), we specialize in PNP applications and can help you maximize your chances.
Contact us today to see if you qualify!
The PNP is one of Canada’s most flexible immigration pathways, but it requires strategic planning. By choosing the right province, meeting eligibility criteria, and preparing a strong application, you can secure your Canadian PR—even with a low CRS score.
Start your journey today! Call 416-857-0100
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