In 2025, several Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams across Canada were paused or shut down. While this might initially seem like a setback for skilled foreign workers pursuing permanent residence (PR), it could actually present new opportunities—especially for those already living and working in Canada.
A Shift Toward Express Entry
These closures reflect a broader shift in Canada’s immigration strategy, placing increased emphasis on federal programs like Express Entry. With reduced PNP admissions, Express Entry now represents a larger share of economic immigration. In 2025, Express Entry’s target admissions rose to 124,590—accounting for 53.67% of the total economic class—up from just 39% in 2024.
This creates more room for skilled workers, particularly those with Canadian experience, to qualify through Express Entry, including the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The government has signaled its intent to prioritize such applicants in future draws. Express Entry – Parisa Erfani
Why Express Entry Might Be a Better Option
1. Greater Mobility Within Canada
Unlike PNPs, which require candidates to settle in a specific province, Express Entry allows more flexibility in choosing where to live—even before obtaining PR.
2. Simpler, Clearer Criteria
PNPs can be complex, with over 80 streams, each with its own rules. Express Entry’s CEC stream has straightforward eligibility:
- One year (1,560 hours) of skilled, paid Canadian work experience in the last three years
- Language proficiency: CLB 7 or 5, depending on the job
Note: Work experience must be post-graduation and not gained while studying full-time.
3. Faster, More Streamlined Process
PNP applicants must go through two levels of government—first for nomination, then PR. Express Entry applicants only need to submit one profile to the federal system. Current Express Entry processing times average 5 months, compared to 20 months for base PNPs.
Real-Life Scenarios
Clara studied in Ontario but worked in Manitoba after graduation. Due to Manitoba’s rules, she lost points in their PNP pool. However, her Canadian work experience, strong language skills, and high CRS score made her eligible under CEC—and she likely would’ve received an ITA in 2025.
Mathias, an education graduate working in B.C., doesn’t qualify for the province’s current PNP focus areas. But with a CRS of 532 and strong English, he’s well-positioned for a category-based Express Entry draw focused on education professionals.
Overview of PNP Changes in 2025
Several provinces made significant changes this year.
- British Columbia: Closed its International Graduate streams and paused the launch of new ones.
- New Brunswick: Suspended its Strategic Initiative stream due to a sufficient application inventory.
These actions follow the federal government’s Immigration Levels Plan, which reduced PNP admission targets by 50%—from 110,000 in 2024 to 55,000 in 2025—resulting in halved nomination allocations across most provinces. Canada PNP Program – Parisa Erfani
Final Thoughts
While PNPs remain an important part of Canada’s immigration system, the 2025 landscape increasingly favors Express Entry. For skilled workers with Canadian work experience, these changes could lead to faster, more flexible, and more accessible PR pathways.
How Provincial Nominee Program closures can benefit skilled workers in Canada | CIC News
