How to get PNP 600 points?

How to Get PNP 600 Points in Express Entry: Step-by-Step Guide

If your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is not high enough to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Express Entry, a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) can completely change your chances. A provincial nomination adds 600 extra CRS points, almost guaranteeing an ITA for Canadian permanent residency.

Many skilled professionals struggle with Express Entry because CRS cutoffs fluctuate and competition remains high. This is where PNP becomes a game-changer. By aligning your profile with a province’s economic needs, you significantly improve your chances of becoming a permanent resident.

This guide explains how to get PNP 600 points, who is eligible, the step-by-step process, and key things you must keep in mind before applying.

What Does “PNP 600 Points” Mean in Express Entry?

PNP 600 points refers to the additional CRS points awarded when you receive a provincial nomination through an Express Entry–aligned (enhanced) PNP stream.

The Express Entry system ranks candidates based on age, education, language ability, work experience, and other factors. While improving IELTS scores or gaining extra experience can increase CRS slightly, a provincial nomination provides the single biggest boost available.

Since Express Entry draws typically range between 470–520 CRS points, adding 600 points pushes your profile well above the cutoff. Once nominated, most candidates receive an ITA in the very next Express Entry draw, regardless of their original score.

Why Provincial Nomination Is So Powerful?

Provincial Nominee Programs are designed to help Canadian provinces select immigrants who meet their local labor market needs. Provinces face shortages in specific occupations, and PNP allows them to fill these gaps faster than federal programs alone.

When a province nominates you, it confirms that your skills, education, and work experience are valuable to its economy and long-term growth.

Key Benefits of PNP Nomination

• Adds 600 CRS points instantly, making your profile highly competitive
• Almost guarantees an ITA in Express Entry draws
• Opens doors for candidates with lower CRS scores
• Targets in-demand occupations and skill shortages
• Provides opportunities even without a job offer
• Creates multiple PR pathways beyond federal programs

For many applicants, PNP is the most realistic and strategic route to Canadian permanent residency.

Step-by-Step Process: How to Get PNP 600 Points

Step 1: Create an Express Entry Profile

To receive 600 PNP points, you must first create a valid Express Entry profile under one of the following programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Your Express Entry profile acts as the foundation for both federal and provincial selection. Without it, you cannot receive an enhanced PNP nomination.

Your profile should include:

• Language test results (IELTS or CELPIP)
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
• Detailed work experience information
• Proof of funds (if required)
• Accurate personal and employment history

Ensuring accuracy at this stage is critical, as provinces rely heavily on Express Entry data to issue Notifications of Interest (NOIs).

Step 2: Research Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Each Canadian province and territory (except Quebec) runs its own PNP with unique eligibility requirements and targeted occupations.

Provinces regularly update their priority occupations based on labor shortages. Some focus on technology, while others prioritize healthcare, construction, or agriculture.

Some provinces target:

• Tech professionals
• Healthcare workers
• Skilled trades
• International graduates
• Candidates with job offers
• French-speaking applicants

Popular Express Entry–aligned PNPs include:

• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
• Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
• British Columbia PNP
• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
• Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

Choosing the right province based on your background greatly increases nomination chances.

Step 3: Apply for an Express Entry–Aligned (Enhanced) PNP

Only enhanced PNP streams award 600 CRS points. These streams are directly linked to the Express Entry system.

There are two main ways provinces select candidates:

• Direct application to a provincial PNP stream
• Notification of Interest (NOI) sent to your Express Entry profile

Some provinces require you to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), while others actively search the Express Entry pool for suitable candidates.

If selected, the province invites you to submit a complete nomination application with supporting documents.

Step 4: Receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate

Once your provincial application is reviewed and approved, the province issues a nomination certificate electronically through the Express Entry system.

This nomination confirms that the province supports your permanent residence application and expects you to contribute to its economy after landing in Canada.

Receiving this certificate is a major milestone, as it dramatically improves your immigration prospects.

Step 5: Accept the Nomination in Express Entry (Within 30 Days)

You must accept the nomination within 30 days inside your Express Entry account.

After acceptance:

• 600 CRS points are automatically added
• Your CRS score jumps significantly
• Your profile becomes highly competitive

Failing to accept the nomination within the deadline results in losing the opportunity, so timely action is essential.

Step 6: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

With the additional 600 points, you will almost certainly receive an ITA in the next Express Entry draw.

After receiving the ITA, you must:

• Submit your PR application within 60 days
• Upload all required documents
• Complete medical examinations
• Provide police clearance certificates

At this stage, accuracy and completeness are crucial to avoid delays or refusals.

Important Things to Remember Before Applying for PNP

You Must Intend to Live in the Nominating Province

PNP approval is based on your genuine intention to settle in the province that nominates you. Provinces expect nominees to live and work locally.

Providing false intent can lead to application refusal or future complications during PR processing or citizenship.

You Can Only Get 600 Points Once

600 points is the maximum CRS bonus available through provincial nomination. You cannot combine multiple nominations or stack these points with job offer bonuses.

Once awarded, your CRS score reflects the highest possible advantage under Express Entry.

Nomination Does Not Guarantee PR Approval

While nomination nearly guarantees an ITA, you must still meet all IRCC federal requirements, including:

• Medical admissibility
• Security clearance
• Criminal background checks
• Document verification

Failure to meet federal criteria can still result in refusal.

Processing Times Vary by Province

PNP processing timelines differ widely depending on the province, stream, and application volume.

Some nominations are issued within weeks, while others may take several months. Planning ahead and staying updated is essential.

Who Should Consider the PNP Route?

PNP is especially suitable for:

• Candidates with CRS below Express Entry cutoffs
• Applicants without a Canadian job offer
• Professionals in high-demand occupations
• International graduates
• Candidates willing to settle outside major cities

It offers flexibility and realistic opportunities for a wide range of applicants.

PNP vs Express Entry Without Nomination

Final Thoughts: Is Getting 600 PNP Points Worth It?

Yes. If your CRS score is not competitive, PNP is one of the strongest and most reliable pathways to Canadian permanent residency.

By carefully selecting provinces, keeping documents ready, and monitoring PNP openings, applicants can significantly improve their success rate.

Always verify program requirements on the official Canada.ca (IRCC) website, as streams and eligibility criteria may change without notice.