How PNP Closures in 2025 Could Benefit Skilled Workers in Canada

Canada’s shifting immigration strategy may offer new hope for foreign skilled workers — even as several Provincial Nominee Program streams have been paused or closed in 2025.

That’s because these changes reflect a strategic shift in Canada’s overall immigration levels plan that places more weight on federal programs like Express Entry Program.

For skilled workers who are already in Canada, this change may be beneficial.

A Shift in Canada’s Immigration Priorities

Under the Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027, Canada has cut PNP admissions targets by 50%, from 110,000 in 2024 to just 55,000 in 2025. This reduction has directly impacted provincial allocations, causing several provinces to pause or shut down streams:

• British Columbia: Closed its International Graduate streams; delayed the launch of three new pathways.
• New Brunswick: Paused its Strategic Initiative stream due to a full inventory of applications.

While these closures might frustrate newcomers planning to immigrate through provincial pathways, they align with a broader goal: rebalancing the immigration system in favor of federal programs, particularly Express Entry.

Express Entry Expansion in 2025

Express Entry now accounts for over half of all planned economic immigration. In 2025, 124,590 Express Entry admissions are targeted, representing 53.67% of the total, compared to 39% in 2024.

This expansion creates more opportunities for skilled workers—especially those already in Canada—to apply for PR through faster, centralized federal streams.

The government has also signaled a growing emphasis on the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), further boosting chances for candidates with domestic work experience.

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Key Advantages of Express Entry Program Over PNP

1. Flexibility in Relocation

Express Entry applicants can settle in any province or territory (excluding Quebec). PNP candidates, by contrast, must commit to the province that nominated them—often limiting job mobility and life plans.

2. Simpler Eligibility

Canada have PNP 80+ streams, each with unique requirements, the CEC program under Express Entry offers clear, straightforward criteria:

• At least 1 year (1,560 hours) of full-time, paid skilled work in Canada (within the past 3 years).
• Minimum language proficiency (CLB 7 or CLB 5, depending on occupation).
• Work must not have been part of full-time study or co-op programs.

3. Faster Processing and Fewer Steps

PNP applications involve two levels of approval—first from the province, second from the federal government. Express Entry requires only one approval federal application after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Currently, Express Entry applications are process time approximately 5 months, while base PNP applications process times 20 months.

No General Draws Since April 2024

As of now, Canada has not held any general Express Entry draws since April 23, 2024. Instead, IRCC has conducted category-based rounds of invitations, French language proficiency, Canadian Experience Class, and PNP-specific draws—underscoring its commitment to targeted immigration based on in-Canada experience and national priorities.

Final Takeaway

Though PNP closures in 2025 may seem discouraging on the surface, they are part of a strategic federal program move to streamline immigration through Express Entry Program, creating more accessible and faster pathways for skilled workers already boosting to Canada economy.

For those with Canadian work experience, the shift may be the opportunity they’ve been waiting for.

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Source: canada.ca

Tags: Canada PNP Skilled Workers in Canada Express Entry Program Canadian Experience Class CEC program French language proficiency Canada Immigration News