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Canada is planning to welcome over 500,000 new permanent residents in 2025 under two main immigration pathways for skilled worker applicants: Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These programs are designed for different types of skilled workers and are two routes to permanent residency (PR).

Moreover, whether you are a highly educated professional with international work experience or have ties to a Canadian province, these pathways will help you determine which program is most suitable for you.

Express Entry is a federal online system introduced in 2015 to streamline applications for economic immigrants through a points-based ranking system. Express Entry manages three major federal programs and aims to work with PNPs to provide additional nominations.

The PNP allows Canada’s provincial and territorial governments to nominate candidates based on their provincial economic priorities. These priorities span from technology hubs in Ontario to resource sectors in Alberta.

As of September 2025, both pathways have changed as a result of IRCC’s Immigration Levels Plan: overall immigration targets are reduced by 20% from 2024; however, targeted selections in a category-based approach to address labour shortages in healthcare, trades and the French language have increased. 

This article discusses the ins and outs of each pathway, the different sub-category approaches and eligibility requirements for each pathway and includes a comparison chart in a side-by-side approach.

Whether or not you are calculating your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score or browsing provincial streams, this article will ultimately supply you with knowledge to make an informed decision.

Understanding Express Entry System: The Federal Fast-Track for Skilled Immigrants

Express Entry is the IRCC’s main pathway for processing PR applications for economic class immigrants. It operates as a merit-based pool, which allows candidates to create profiles, receive a CRS score (out of a possible 1,200), and be invited to apply (ITA), within bi-weekly draws. 

As of 2025, draws have gone from general all-program invitations to targeted category-based draws, which increasingly demonstrate Canada’s focus on in-demand occupations and diversity. 

To date, not all program draws have occurred in the first half of the year. As of September, the IRCC has issued over 50,000 ITAs based primarily on healthcare and trade sectors (and other focused categories).

The Express Entry system has three different federal programs: 

• The Federal Skilled Worker Program, 
• The Federal Skilled Trades Program, and 
• The Canadian Experience Class. 

While there are various levels of requirements for each program, they all require proven test evidence of language ability (IELTS or CELPIP), an educational assessment done by specified organizations (WES) and proof of sufficient funds for purposes of establishing residency.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For Global Professionals

The FSWP is designed for foreign skilled workers. Individuals with foreign work experience who can help in Canada’s economy can apply under this stream. It is best considered for professionals in sectors like IT, engineering, or finance. Eligibility criteria include:

• Work Experience: This program requires minimum one year full-time experience or equivalent part-time experience in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. The work experience should be obtained in last 10 years.   
• Language Proficiency: A CLB level 7 in all four modules (reading, writing, speaking and listening) is required in case of first official language and a CLB level 5 in all modules is required in case of second official language..   
• Educational requirements: An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required in case of foreign degrees or diploma and in case of Canadin education, a high school diploma is required. Applicants with university degrees can earn additional points in CRS pool.    
• Age: Age is a important factor in the selection process. Maximum age points are awarded to candidates for age between 20-29 years range. After age 30; the age points are decreased.   
• Settlement Funds: A settlement fund of CAD $13,757 for one person is required from 2025.   
• CRS Points Minimum: Apart from CRS, minimum of 67/100 points on the FSWP grid are awarded based on factors: work experience (max 15 points), age (max 12 points), language (max 28 points), education (max 25 points) and adaptability (max 10 points).

In 2025, FSWP are picking candidates based on targeted categories. The recent cut-offs points in FSWP are around 500-550 in general categories. After receiving an ITS, the processing time for your application is usually 6 months.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): 

The FSTP is targeted to people in the trades and solves shortages in construction, manufacturing, and transport. It is less points-based on education and focuses on skilled workers with hands-on training. 

Eligibility requirements:

• Work Experience: FSTP requires two years of full-time work in a skilled trade under NOC Major Groups 72, 73, 82, 83, 92, or 93 in the last five years or a valid trade certificate from the Canadian government. 
• Language Proficiency: Language proficiency of CLB 5 in speaking and listening, CLB 4 in reading and writing are required. 
• Job Offer and Certificate: Requires either a job offer from a Canadian employer in skill trade or authorized Canadian government trade certificate from province or territory.
• Education: Minimum of a high school education with no ECA required, unless claiming points for the missed education. 
• Settlement Funds: Same as the Federal Skilled Worker Program. 
• CRS Cut-offs: The Skilled Trades category cut-offs were reduced in 2025 by 400-450 points. More than 5,000 new ITAs were issued till August 2025.

This pathways is most suitable for welders, chefs and electricians who have recognized qualification outside of Canada with a minimum processing time of 6 months.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 

This program is for those who are already in Canada. This program offers a streamlined pathway for international students and temporary foreign workers who a minimum one year of Canadian experience. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Work Experience: CEC require one year full-time skilled work experience in NOC TEER 0,1,2,3 in Canada in the past years. A valid work permit is required to work in Canada. CEC does not require a job offers; only Canadain Work Experience of minimum one year.  
• Language Proficiency: A Language proficiency level CLB 7 for TEER 0 and 1 and CLB 5 for TEER 2 and 3 is required.
• Intention to reside: Must be outside of Quebec.

In July 2025, the CEC saw a big increase, receiving 3,000 ITA’s in a single draw at CRS 518. The program has great value for post-graduation work permit holders.