Provincial nomination is the single largest points award in Express Entry, but the label “PNP” hides two very different routes.
Enhanced nominations
An enhanced nomination is tied to an Express Entry profile. It adds 600 CRS points and effectively guarantees an invitation in the next federal round, provided the nomination remains valid and the profile is accurate.
Base nominations
A base nomination sits outside Express Entry. The province nominates you and IRCC assesses the permanent residence application through a paper or non-Express Entry process. Processing is usually slower and the 600 points do not apply.
How to tell the difference
Look at the stream requirements, not the marketing. If the province asks for an Express Entry profile number and job seeker validation code, the nomination is enhanced. If it asks you to apply directly to the province with a separate federal application later, it is base.
Provincial priorities change
Streams open and close, occupation lists are revised, and some provinces pause intake without notice. Follow the province’s own bulletin rather than a third-party summary, including ours.
Sample article shipped with the CRSPoint theme.
