Express Entry Surges as 2025 PNP Closures Reshape Immigration

Why the 2025 PNP Closures Could Be Good News for Skilled Workers in Canada

In 2025, several Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams across Canada have either been paused or closed. While that may sound like a setback for skilled foreign workers looking to get permanent residence (PR), it might actually open new — and potentially better — doors.

That’s because Canada is shifting its immigration strategy to prioritize federal pathways like the Express Entry system, especially for individuals with Canadian work experience. If you’re already living and working in Canada and aiming for PR, this change could work in your favour.

Key Highlights

• Express Entry is taking centre stage in Canada’s 2025 immigration plan, with more slots available than ever before.
• Skilled workers with Canadian experience are being prioritized through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
• Express Entry offers simpler eligibility, faster application processing, and more flexibility on where you can live.
• Recent changes have led to the closure or pause of several PNP streams, reducing provincial nomination opportunities.
• Realistic examples show how Express Entry may be a better path for many candidates.

Why Express Entry Is Gaining Ground in 2025

Historically, Canada’s immigration system offered a strong balance between provincial and federal immigration streams. But in 2025, the federal government is giving the Express Entry system more weight, especially as PNP targets have been slashed nearly in half — from 110,000 in 2024 to just 55,000 this year.

In contrast, Express Entry admission targets rose significantly to 124,590 spots, now making up over 53% of all economic immigration. That’s a big jump from just 39% in 2024. So if you’ve been affected by a paused or closed PNP stream, the Express Entry route may now offer a better shot at PR — especially if you’ve already got some Canadian work experience under your belt.

In fact, the federal government has signalled a clear preference for candidates with Canadian experience, particularly through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program.

The Perks of Choosing Express Entry Over a PNP

Let’s be honest — navigating the PNP landscape can get complicated. With over 80 streams across the country, each with its own set of rules, it can be tough to know where you stand. Here’s why Express Entry can be a much smoother ride for skilled workers:

1. More Flexibility in Where You Can Live

With Express Entry, you can live and work in any province or territory (except Quebec) — even before you get PR. On the flip side, PNPs tie you to the province that nominated you, which can limit your job prospects or personal choices if life takes you elsewhere.

2. Streamlined Eligibility

While PNPs often require you to dive deep into eligibility criteria and province-specific rules, the Canadian Experience Class keeps things straightforward:

• At least one year (or 1,560 hours) of paid, full-time skilled work in Canada in the last three years (not while studying).
• Language proficiency of CLB 7 or CLB 5, depending on your job.

If you meet those, you’re good to go. No hunting through dozens of program requirements.

3. Faster Application Process

With PNPs, you often have to apply twice — first to the province for a nomination, and then to the federal government for PR. Express Entry cuts through that red tape. Once you’re in the system and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you apply directly for PR.

4. Quicker Processing Times

Time is money — and with Express Entry, you’ll save both. The average processing time is around five months, compared to up to 20 months for base PNP applications. That’s a major difference if you’re planning your future in Canada.

Who’s Most Likely to Benefit?

Let’s look at two fictional examples that highlight exactly how Express Entry can be a game-changer for skilled workers already in Canada.

Clara’s Story

Clara, 27, graduated with a math degree from an Ontario university. After struggling to land a job in Ontario, she moved to Manitoba and spent two years working under her Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Manitoba’s PNP deducts points for candidates who studied in another province, and Ontario’s PNP requires a job offer — so neither route worked well for her. However, with her Canadian work experience, CLB 9 in English, and two years of foreign work experience, she scored an impressive 537 CRS points under the CEC.

With recent CEC draws having cut-offs between 521 and 547, Clara would’ve been a strong candidate for PR in 2025.

Mathias’ Journey

Mathias, 28, completed a bachelor’s degree and a teaching program in British Columbia. He spent a year teaching in an elementary school but didn’t fit the top priorities of BC’s PNP, which now favours healthcare and high-impact economic roles.

Still, with CLB 8 English and his teaching background, Mathias scored 532 CRS points. In 2025, education category-based draws had much lower thresholds — around 479. That means Mathias would likely receive an ITA via Express Entry without needing a provincial nomination.

What’s Behind the 2025 PNP Closures?

So why are provinces scaling back their nominee programs? It boils down to the federal government’s updated Immigration Levels Plan. By reducing PNP targets for 2025, most provinces saw their nomination allocations cut by half.

Here are a couple of notable examples:

• British Columbia suspended its International Graduate streams and delayed launching new pathways.
• New Brunswick paused its Strategic Initiative stream due to a backlog of applications.

While these changes may seem like roadblocks, they’re really just a redirection — one that favours skilled workers who’ve already proven themselves in Canada’s workforce.

Final Thoughts: Opportunity Knocks in 2025

Sure, change can be unsettling. But for skilled foreign workers already in Canada, the shift away from PNPs and toward Express Entry could actually speed up your path to PR — and give you more flexibility along the way.

Whether you’re a recent grad working on your PGWP or a professional with Canadian work experience, now’s a great time to explore your Express Entry options.

Want to know if Express Entry is your best path to PR? Don’t wait — get your free Express Entry eligibility assessment and take the next step toward building your future in Canada.