Is PNP independent from Express Entry? PNP without Express Entry?

[frankfurtvancouver]

Canada suddenly changed their immigration system to Express Entry. It's very competitive...

International Students can still apply for the Provincial Nominee Program. Do students who apply under the Provincial Nominee Program "skip" Express Entry to become Permanent Residents? So, is the Provinicial Nominee Program still the old and independent from this competitive new system?

It is confusing

Thank you

 

[arowberry]

It didn't 'suddenly' change (by CIC standards, the changes were announced well in advance). It's also not as competitive as you think.

As per the CIC website, the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) is clearly part of Express Entry.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/eligibility.asp

Express Entry is a points based system. On an irregular basic, the CIC will look at the pool of profiles they have received and extend Invitations To Apply (ITA's) to a number of people whose CRS score is above a certain level.

If you have a Provincial Nomination (or a Labour Market Impact Assessment), then you will receive 600 CRS points.

The previous three draws have required a minimum of 453 - 481 points to receive and Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residence (PR).

Therefore having an PN will automatically put you over the current required points to receive an ITA and therefore will allow you to apply for Permanent Residence.

In theory it's competitive to get a Provincial Nomination or LMIA, but if you do, PR is straight forward.

The Express Entry system is very competitive for people who have neither a PNP or LMIA, and can be harsh on those with great Canadian work experience, via open work permits (PGWP / IEC), but cannot get sponsored.