What is the difference between a PNP and Express Entry?

Express Entry is the federal government's online system for managing applications under three economic programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Candidates create a profile, receive a CRS score, and compete in draws for invitations to apply.

A Provincial Nominee Program is a parallel pathway. Provinces issue nominations based on their own criteria, which often differ from federal ones — some provinces prioritize particular occupations, regional ties, or employer-driven offers. The key interaction is that a provincial nomination under an "enhanced" PNP stream adds 600 CRS points to a candidate's Express Entry profile, making an invitation to apply virtually certain. "Base" PNP streams, by contrast, bypass Express Entry entirely and go through a separate IRCC paper application process, which typically takes longer.

In short: Express Entry is the federal competition-based system; PNPs are provincial filters that run alongside or through that system. The two can intersect (enhanced streams) or operate independently (base streams). Which route is faster or easier depends on your CRS score, the province's current priorities, and how closely your background fits a specific stream's criteria.