2025 has brought surprising shifts in Canada’s immigration system—many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are being paused or downsized. At first glance, that may seem like a hurdle for skilled foreign workers. But here’s the twist: this change might be a hidden opportunity, especially if you’re already living and working in Canada.
The federal government is leaning heavily on Express Entry to meet its immigration targets, giving skilled workers new pathways to permanent residence without the complexity of province-specific rules. Let’s break down why this shift matters—and how it could work in your favor.
More Express Entry Slots Than Ever Before
Canada’s updated Immigration Levels Plan for 2025 brings a clear message: federal immigration programs are taking center stage.
| Year | Express Entry Targets | % of Total Economic Immigration |
| 2024 | 110,770 | 39% |
| 2025 | 124,590 | 53.67% |
With fewer spaces allocated to PNPs, more candidates are being invited through Express Entry. This is a win for workers with Canadian experience, especially those eligible under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Why this matters: If you’re already in Canada and working, you may now have better odds of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system.
Express Entry vs PNP: What Makes It Easier?
1. More Flexibility on Where You Live
- Express Entry: Choose any province or territory (except Quebec).
- PNP: You must commit to the province nominating you.
2. Simpler and Faster Process
Express Entry involves submitting a single application directly to the federal government, making the process streamlined and centralized. In contrast, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) requires you to first apply to a specific province and, once nominated, submit a second application to the federal government for permanent residency.
3. Shorter Wait Times
| Pathway | Estimated PR Processing Time |
| Express Entry | 5 to 6 months |
| Base PNP | Up to 20 months |
4. Clearer Criteria with Canadian Experience Class
To qualify under CEC:
- Work Experience: 1 year of full-time skilled work in Canada in the last 3 years
- Language: CLB 7 (for TEER 0/1 jobs) or CLB 5 (for TEER 2/3 jobs)
- Note: Internships or co-op jobs don’t count
Real-Life Scenarios: Who’s Benefiting?
Clara from Ontario – A 27-year-old math grad from Ontario, worked in Manitoba for two years on a Post-Graduation Work Permit. She didn’t qualify for Ontario’s PNP and lost points in Manitoba’s system for not studying there. But with a CRS score of 537 and CLB 9, she’s a great fit for CEC—and beat recent Express Entry CEC cut-offs like 521 and 527.
Mathias from BC – A 28-year-old, is a trained elementary school teacher with CLB 8 and a CRS score of 532. However, British Columbia’s PNP deprioritized education professionals; the most recent category-based draw for education workers had a cut-off of 479. Mathias would have easily qualified via Express Entry.
Why PNP Closures Happened in 2025
Several provinces hit pause on major PNP streams:
- British Columbia: Closed its International Graduate streams and paused new ones planned for 2025.
- New Brunswick: Put its Strategic Initiative stream on hold due to a full application inventory.
The federal government cut PNP allocations from 110,000 in 2024 to just 55,000 in 2025, halving most provinces’ quotas.
Express Entry CEC Draw Is the Best Bet in 2025
If you’re a skilled worker already living in Canada, now is your time. With more invitations through Express Entry, especially under the Canadian Experience Class, your chances of getting permanent residence have never looked better. PNP closures may feel like a setback, but they’re actually clearing a more direct path to PR. Express Entry CEC Draw is emerging as the most promising route in 2025 for candidates with Canadian work experience. For expert guidance and support, contact ImmigCanada!
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