Since the pandemic, immigration has become a major source of skilled workers to Canada who can contribute to developing the economy at the central and provincial & territorial levels. In Canada, the federal government and provincial & territorial governments hold the privilege of operating different immigration programs. However, the federal government makes the final decision on whether to offer any candidate a PR visa or not.
Express Entry is an immigration system that the IRCC manages. This system is responsible for managing the application for three major economic immigration pathways that the federal government operates under the Express Entry. These three major economic immigration pathways are FSWP, FSTP, and CEC.
Candidates can apply through any immigration pathway under Express Entry. However, you must note that all these three economic pathways come up with different eligibility criteria. Therefore, before you apply via any program, ensure you meet the program’s requirements.
If candidates are eligible for any immigration pathway, they can show their interest in getting the Canada PR visa by creating an Express Entry profile. Irrespective of the program you applied through for a PR visa, you will be entered into a pool of applicants with a CRS score. The CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) helps pick up candidates more likely to be settled in Canada successfully and support the labor market.
All the candidates, regardless of the pathway they applied through, will get a CRS score in the pool. A CRS score is assigned to the candidates based on several factors, including age, work experience, language ability, education, etc.
In order to find the most qualified candidates, the IRCC comes up with the Express Entry draw once every two weeks. In the draws, the IRCC releases a cut-off that applicants must meet to get the ITA.
Another way other than Express Entry to get the Canada Permanent Resident visa is the provincial nominee program. This program is applicable for those candidates wishing to settle down in any particular province/territory of Canada. In order to move to Canada on a PR visa via this program, you need to meet the eligibility criteria listed by the province/territory. The eligibility criteria of the provinces rely on demographic and economic needs. Therefore, the provinces/territories offer nominations to those candidates who can help them accomplish their demographic and economic goals.
Perks of Submitting the Profile through Both Programs Simultaneously-
Candidates who are willing to relocate to Canada on a PR visa can create an EE profile and apply to a PNP stream simultaneously.
The core advantage of submitting an EE profile is that they can show their profile along with all details to provinces and territories. Almost every province and territory come to the EE pool to find candidates who are meeting their eligibility requirements. If found, the province/territory sends an NOI to get a nomination.
Submitting your application through both programs, Express Entry and Provincial Nomination Program can be highly fruitful. Initially, you may not be able to score as high as the cut-off to acquire an ITA. Therefore, you should keep the option open to get the nomination through the enhanced stream under the PNP program. The nomination from any province/territory will reward 600 CRS points, guaranteeing you an ITA in the subsequent draw.
An Express Entry candidate can demonstrate that they want to reside in a particular province. If the concerned province/territory finds you an appropriate candidate supporting their requirements, you may receive NOI for nomination. If you accept the NOI, you will be rewarded 600 CRS points.
Do both Programs Allow me to Stay Anywhere throughout Canada?
All Canadian citizens and permanent residents have the right to move anywhere throughout the country under the “Mobility Rights” specified by the Canadian constitution. Under “Mobility Rights,” you can continue living in any Canadian province or territory without any obstruction or intervention.
In order to get the nomination from any province or territory, you justify your intentions to stay and work in that particular province. Provinces and territories generally nominate those candidates who can support the development and expansion of their economies. However, you are still allowed to move to another province or territory under the Mobility Rights.
When submitting your PNP application, you are highly encouraged to be upfront regarding your residence plans. You are also advised to make an attempt to live in the province that accepted you before deciding to relocate elsewhere.
Express Entry is more open in regards to where you can settle once you have been given permanent residency. Except for Quebec, which has its own immigration system, if you are given permanent residency through Express Entry without a provincial nomination, you have not decided on staying in any one province.
Note: If you are planning to relocate to any other country, Canada must be your priority. This developed country has streamlined immigration pathways with immigrant-friendly policies. Also, by the end of 2025, the immigration authority, IRCC, will grant admission to 1.5 million immigrants through different immigration pathways. In order to immigrate to Canada with your family, contact us via consultation@dss-hr.com or 011-411-70411 to know your eligibility.
