Why the Closure of PNP Streams in 2025 May Be a Golden Opportunity for Skilled Workers in Canada

In 2025, several Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams across Canada have either paused or permanently closed. While this might initially sound discouraging to newcomers and skilled workers eyeing permanent residence (PR), there’s good news on the horizon: this shift in Canada’s immigration policy may actually improve your chances of becoming a permanent resident—especially if you already live and work in Canada.

Canada is now focusing more on its federal immigration streams like Express Entry, with increased admission targets and faster processing times. This blog breaks down the impact of these changes and explains how skilled foreign workers can benefit.

Transition to Express Entry: A Strategic Immigration Shift

✳️ More Federal Invitations for Skilled Workers

With PNP admissions being scaled back, Canada is reallocating those slots to Express Entry, the country’s flagship economic immigration pathway.

• Express Entry target for 2025: 124,590 applicants

• Percentage of total economic immigration via Express Entry: 53.67%

• Compared to 2024: Only 39% of the economic immigration slots were allocated to Express Entry (110,770 applicants)

✅ Real-World Impact:
Candidates affected by the closure of PNP streams now have a better shot through Express Entry, especially those under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) who already have work experience within Canada.

Express Entry vs. PNP: Why It’s a Win for Skilled Workers

1️⃣ Freedom to Choose Where You Live

Under PNPs, applicants are required to stay in the nominating province. But Express Entry allows you to live and work in any Canadian province (except Quebec). This flexibility can be crucial for job-seekers or families who may need to relocate.

Use Case:
An IT professional in Alberta may receive a job offer from Ontario. Under PNP rules, they would have to decline. But with Express Entry, they can accept and move without restriction—even before receiving PR.

2️⃣ Simplified Eligibility and Application Process

• PNPs: Over 80 different streams with complex and varying criteria

• CEC (Express Entry): Just a few, clearly defined requirements:

  • 1 year of full-time, paid skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years

  • CLB 5–7 language proficiency depending on occupation

Note: Work experience must not include full-time study or co-op placements.

Pro Tip:
If you’re currently working on a Post-Graduate Work Permit or open work permit, start gathering documents now to ensure eligibility for the CEC stream.

3️⃣ Faster PR Processing Times

• Express Entry: ~5 months

• Base PNP: ~20 months

With Express Entry, applicants deal only with the federal government. PNPs require a two-step process (provincial nomination + federal PR application), often slowing down the journey.

Real-Life Scenarios: How Skilled Workers Can Win

✅ venkat's Story: The Math Graduate

• Age: 27

• Education: Math degree from Ontario

• Work Experience: 2 years in Manitoba on PGWP

• Language: CLB 9

• CRS Score: 537

Venkat struggled to qualify under Manitoba PNP due to provincial study penalties. Ontario PNP required a job offer she didn’t have. But under CEC, her Canadian work history and language score made her eligible—and her CRS score was higher than most 2025 CEC cut-offs.

✅Sirisha’ Story: The New Teacher

• Age: 28

• Education: Bachelor's + teacher training in BC

• Work Experience: 1 year as a schoolteacher

• Language: CLB 8

• CRS Score: 532

BC PNP focused on entrepreneurs and healthcare roles, reducing Mathias’ chances. However, Express Entry held category-based draws for educators with cut-offs as low as 479—giving Mathias a clear path to PR.

PNP Program Pauses and Closures in 2025

Here’s what changed across the provinces:

• British Columbia: Shut down International Graduate Streams; paused plans to introduce new pathways

• New Brunswick: Paused Strategic Initiative Stream due to a full application inventory

• National Impact:

  • PNP admissions cut from 110,000 (2024) to 55,000 (2025)

  • Most provinces received 50% fewer nomination allocations

These changes reflect the government’s realignment to reduce duplication and focus immigration efforts through more efficient, data-backed systems like Express Entry.

Express Entry Draws in 2025: Trends and Insights

In 2025, the majority of ITAs (invitations to apply) were issued via targeted Express Entry draws. Here’s a snapshot:

Why Canada Uses CRS for Express Entry

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is designed to identify candidates most likely to thrive in Canada’s workforce. It’s based on decades of research, evaluating factors like:

• Age

• Work experience

• Education

• Language ability

 Immigrants selected through CRS generally experience higher salaries, better employment rates, and lower jobless rates—making it a win-win for both newcomers and the Canadian economy.

Final Thoughts: Make Express Entry Work for You

The closure of various PNP streams in 2025 may initially seem like a setback, but in reality, they open the door wider for skilled workers through faster, more flexible, and broader-reaching Express Entry pathways.

If you’re already working or studying in Canada, the Canadian Experience Class could be your best route to permanent residence. Be sure to optimize your CRS score and stay informed about category-based draws.