Several Provincial Nominee Program streams across Canada have been paused or closed in 2025. But for skilled foreign workers already in Canada, this shift might actually bring new opportunities for permanent residence (PR). These changes reflect a broader strategy from the Canadian government that now places greater emphasis on federal programs—especially Express Entry. Today, we will discuss how PNP closures can benefit skilled workers in Canada.
Well, For skilled workers already in Canada, this pivot could open new doors. So, without further ado, let us begin!
More Express Entry Invitations Are Now Available
With fewer PNP spots available, the federal government has rebalanced its immigration goals by increasing Express Entry admissions, giving more room for skilled workers to receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
In 2025, Canada’s Express Entry program is expected to welcome 124,590 new permanent residents—accounting for 53.67% of the total economic immigration target. That’s a significant rise from 2024, when the target for Express Entry was 110,770, representing just 39% of the total.
So, if you’ve been affected by a PNP stream closure, don’t lose hope—you might have a better shot through Express Entry.
Moreover, Canada’s immigration department has clearly stated its intention to focus more on candidates with Canadian work experience—particularly those who qualify under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
That’s excellent news for skilled workers already living and working in Canada. If you’ve gained Canadian experience, your chances of being selected under Express Entry may be stronger than ever.
Note: Since April 23, 2024, there have been no general Express Entry draws. Instead, the system has focused on targeted draws, including those for French-speaking candidates, CEC applicants, PNP nominees, and other category-based selections.
Why Express Entry Can Be A Better Option Than PNP?
PNP closures can benefit skilled workers in Canada. Express Entry offers several key advantages over the Provincial Nominee Program, especially for skilled foreign workers in Canada. Let’s break them down:
Greater Flexibility On Where To Live And Work
With Express Entry, candidates are free to settle in any Canadian province or territory—except Quebec, which operates its own selection process. This flexibility is a game-changer if you’re looking for job opportunities in different regions.
In contrast, if you’re nominated under a PNP, you’re expected to live and work in the nominating province or territory. That can be limiting. For example, you may need to decline a job offer in another province if it conflicts with your nomination obligations.
Express Entry allows more freedom to explore employment and lifestyle options across Canada—even before becoming a permanent resident.
Easier To Understand Eligibility Requirements
Navigating the PNP system can be complicated. With over 80 different streams across the provinces and territories, each with its own unique criteria, figuring out where you fit in takes research and effort.
Express Entry, especially under the Canadian Experience Class, keeps things simple. To be eligible under CEC, you typically need:
- One year (or 1,560 hours) of paid, full-time skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years.
- Minimum language proficiency (CLB 7 or CLB 5, depending on the job type).
Note: This experience must be gained as a paid employee, not while self-employed or during full-time study (including co-op placements).
This makes the process more transparent and accessible, helping you quickly determine if you’re eligible.
Faster And Simpler PR Application Process
Applying through a PNP usually means navigating two levels of government.
First, you need to submit an application to the provincial program and receive a nomination. Often, this involves a two-step process—submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) and waiting for an invitation to apply.
After you receive the nomination, only then can you apply to the federal government for PR.
With Express Entry, it’s a lot more streamlined. You just need to submit your EOI, and if your profile is selected, you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR directly from the federal government.
Quicker Processing Times For PR
Time matters when it comes to immigration, and Express Entry is clearly the faster option.
Currently, the average processing time for Express Entry applications is around five months, while applications under base PNPs can take up to 20 months.
Express Entry also has a formal service standard, i.e., processing should be completed within six months.
So, if you’re eager to settle down and get your PR status, Express Entry may be the more efficient path forward.
The Changing Landscape Of PNP In 2025
PNP closures can benefit skilled workers in Canada. A number of provinces have adjusted or paused their PNP streams in 2025 in response to federal immigration targets.
British Columbia, for instance, closed its International Graduate stream and had plans to introduce three new pathways. But by April 2025, the province announced that the new streams would be delayed indefinitely.
New Brunswick also paused its Strategic Initiative stream due to a backlog of applications.
These changes reflect the federal government’s revised Immigration Levels Plan, which cut PNP admission targets from 110,000 in 2024 to just 55,000 in 2025—a 50% reduction.
As a result, many provinces have had to slash their nomination allocations, impacting thousands of applicants.
Final Thoughts
While changes to the Provincial Nominee Program may seem like a setback at first, they can actually benefit many skilled workers already in Canada. With the government shifting focus toward Express Entry—especially the Canadian Experience Class—those with Canadian work experience now have a clearer, faster, and more flexible path to permanent residence.
If you’re a skilled worker already contributing to the Canadian workforce, this could be your moment to make Express Entry work for you.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
