What is the difference between a regular PNP nomination and an Enhanced PNP nomination?

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) generally operate in two streams: base streams and Enhanced (Express Entry-aligned) streams. The key distinction is how a nomination in each stream affects your permanent residence pathway.

A base PNP nomination is entirely outside the Express Entry system. If a province nominates you through a base stream, you apply for permanent residence directly through IRCC using a paper-based or non-Express Entry online process. These applications are not subject to the CRS ranking system but typically have longer processing times.

An Enhanced PNP stream, by contrast, is linked to the federal Express Entry pool. When a province nominates you through an Enhanced stream, IRCC adds a large block of CRS points to your profile. This makes you highly competitive in the next Express Entry draw — in most cases, effectively guaranteeing you receive an ITA shortly after. Your permanent residence application then goes through the standard Express Entry process with IRCC, which typically results in faster processing.

Ontario's OINP has both base and Enhanced streams. The Enhanced streams draw candidates from the federal Express Entry pool or accept direct applications and then align the nomination with Express Entry. Which stream is right for you depends on your CRS score, occupation, and Ontario connections. A lawyer familiar with both OINP and federal Express Entry can help you determine the most efficient route.