Express Entry vs. Non-Express Entry: A Complete Guide to Planning Your Canada PR Application
If you’re planning to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada but aren’t sure whether to go through Express Entry or Non-Express Entry streams, this guide from Globexa Immigration will clear up your doubts. Many applicants make mistakes simply because they don’t know their options, leading to delays, rejections, or missed opportunities. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your Canada PR strategy with confidence.
1. What’s the Difference Between Express Entry and Non-Express Entry?
First, Express Entry and Non-Express Entry are two completely separate systems:
Express Entry covers programs like Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). If you apply through Express Entry, your application stays entirely in Express Entry.
Non-Express Entry includes programs like the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), Agri-Food Pilot, Caregiver Pilots, and many province-specific PNPs that are not linked to Express Entry.
Key point from Globexa Immigration:
You cannot transfer points from a Non-Express Entry PNP invitation into your Express Entry profile. If you receive a Non-Express Entry PNP nomination, you must complete your PR process outside the Express Entry system, using a separate portal.
2. Can You Combine Non-Express Entry PNP with Express Entry?
No. If you receive a PNP invitation through a Non-Express Entry stream, you will process your PR through the province’s portal, not Express Entry. This is a common misunderstanding that creates confusion among applicants.
For example:
Express Entry PNP: If you’re in the Express Entry pool and get a nomination from a province, you receive 600 additional CRS points, almost guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Non-Express Entry PNP: If you submit a profile directly to a province’s portal and receive a nomination, it won’t give you CRS points or move your application into Express Entry.
3. Streams and Options Under Express Entry
Globexa Immigration recommends focusing on these three powerful pathways within Express Entry:
1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
If you complete 1 year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work in Canada, you become eligible for CEC—a fast, flexible pathway for those already in Canada.
2. Special Category Draws
IRCC occasionally holds draws targeting specific NOC codes in areas like healthcare, trades, agriculture, and education. There are also French language draws (B2 level) that lower the CRS cut-off dramatically.
3. Express Entry PNP
If a province selects your profile from the Express Entry pool, you receive 600 CRS points, boosting your score above 1100, and practically guaranteeing an ITA in the next draw.
4. Benefits of Canadian Experience Class
Canadian Experience Class is the strongest option for those inside Canada:
You can combine work experience gained during or after your studies or spouse’s work permit.
Completing one year of Canadian experience makes you eligible.
Your CRS score benefits from Canadian work and education points.
Example from Globexa Immigration: If you finish your PGWP and work 12 months in a skilled job, you can apply under CEC.
5. Why You Need a Plan from Day One
Many students and workers waste crucial months or years without planning for PR—often only realizing near the end of their work permit that they haven’t accumulated the right experience. Here’s what you must do immediately upon arrival in Canada, according to Globexa Immigration:
1. Identify eligible NOC codes aligned with special category draws.
2. Target jobs in sectors with lower CRS cut-offs, like healthcare or trades.
3. Create Express Entry and Non-Express Entry profiles simultaneously to maximize your chances.
6. Special Category Draws: The Secret Weapon
Special category draws allow candidates with:
French B2 level
Specific in-demand jobs (e.g., healthcare, trades, agriculture, education)
to receive ITAs with significantly lower CRS scores (sometimes 400–450).
💡 Tip from Globexa Immigration: If you know your CRS is low, learning French to B2 level can drastically increase your chances—even if your CRS is below 400.
7. How to Check Special Category NOC Codes
To find which NOC codes are included in special category draws:
Search “Express Entry special category draws” on the IRCC website.
Choose your target category (e.g., healthcare, trades, STEM).
Review the list of eligible NOC codes to guide your job search.
8. Non-Express Entry Options: Your Safety Net
When you don’t have enough CRS points or eligibility under Express Entry, Non-Express Entry streams can save your PR journey. These include:
1. RCIC / RNIP (Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot)
Live, work, or study in one of 14 participating communities to apply for PR directly.
2. AIP (Atlantic Immigration Program)
If you receive a job offer with provincial endorsement in Atlantic provinces (NS, NB, PEI, NL), you become eligible for PR.
3. Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
Targeted at agriculture and food processing workers.
4. Caregiver Programs
Personal support workers or those caring for children/elderly can apply through this stream.
5. Non-Express Entry PNPs
Every province has their own direct PNP streams:
Ontario: Employer Job Offer (International Student, Foreign Worker, In-Demand Skills), Master’s Graduate, PhD Graduate
Alberta: Alberta Opportunity Stream, Rural Renewal Stream
BC: Skilled Worker, Entry Level & Semi-Skilled
…and many more.
These streams require you to submit applications through provincial portals—not Express Entry.
9. Why Flexibility Matters
If you limit yourself to a single location or job, you drastically reduce your PR chances. Successful applicants often:
1. Change jobs to match in-demand NOC codes.
2. Move to regions with better PR prospects.
3. Simultaneously pursue Express Entry and Non-Express Entry options.
At Globexa Immigration, we see successful clients make flexible choices in job and location, giving them more pathways to secure PR.
10. The Importance of Timing
The moment you land in Canada—whether as a student, worker, or spouse—you must:
Start working towards 12 months of Canadian experience.
Research PR-eligible jobs in your area.
Begin French language training if your CRS is low.
Plan multiple pathways: Express Entry, PNPs, RNIP, AIP, Caregiver, etc.
📉 Don’t wait until the last year of your permit—by then, options may be limited or impossible.
11. Examples of Non-Express Entry PNP Streams
Ontario Employer Job Offer Stream (International Student, Foreign Worker, In-Demand Skills): From July 2025, a new portal will streamline employer profiles and support letters.
Alberta Opportunity & Rural Renewal Streams
BC Entry-Level & Semi-Skilled Stream
…and more across all provinces.
12. Final Checklist for Your PR Strategy
1. Express Entry Profile
Canadian Experience Class
Special Category Draws
Express Entry PNP nominations
2. Non-Express Entry Options
RNIP/RCIC
AIP
Caregiver
Agri-Food
Direct PNP streams (ONIP, AINP, BC PNP, etc.)
3. Special Skills
French B2 level (massive advantage)
Target in-demand jobs/NOC codes
4. Flexibility
Be willing to switch jobs or locations.
13. Conclusion: Make a Plan, Don’t Leave It to Luck
There are multiple options for getting your PR, but success depends on knowing your options early and acting strategically. Don’t waste your time in Canada—start planning from day one.
Need Professional Guidance?
At Globexa Immigration, we help you:
Evaluate your CRS and eligibility.
Identify your best Express Entry and Non-Express Entry options.
Create and submit your profiles.
Plan your job and location strategy for the highest chance of PR.
📲 Contact Globexa Immigration on WhatsApp today to get started on your PR journey!
