Should one accept a provincial nomination when eligible for Express Entry category-based selection?
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a significant Canadian economic immigration program aiming to admit 117,500 newcomers annually by 2025.
Express Entry recently introduced attribute-based categories. If an Express Entry candidate qualifies for one of these categories, they may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). However, if the same candidate is also nominated by a province through the PNP, should they accept it?
Each Canadian province (except Quebec and Nunavut) has its own PNP, allowing them to select economic immigration candidates who can integrate into their workforce. A PNP nomination can strengthen a candidate’s application for permanent resident status with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
PNP candidates receive an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, enhancing their chances in Express Entry draws. This advantage applies even if their occupation falls under the new Express Entry categories.
Candidates with high CRS scores may choose not to accept a provincial nomination due to added time and cost. The PNP process involves submitting an application to the province, and then to IRCC once approved, potentially extending the immigration journey and incurring extra fees.
Ultimately, the decision to accept a provincial nomination depends on individual circumstances. While a PNP nomination can boost CRS scores and chances of receiving an ITA, those with already high CRS scores and considerations like time and money may opt to wait for an ITA directly from IRCC.
