Nothing checked off yet

First visit? Here's how the map works.

Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Choose the province you want to live in

Provincial Nominee ProgramsChoose a provinceStep 3 of 8

BlockedExpress Entry or not · RequiredYou are here

3. Find out which of the two routes you're on

There are two application processes and the province tells you which one applies.

Waiting on: Find a stream you fit

Open this step

The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

Step 3 of 8 · RequiredClose

Find out which of the two routes you're on

BlockedRequired

The authority on this stepPNP: the Express Entry processcanada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

There are two application processes and the province tells you which one applies. The Express Entry route is for people who qualify both for the provincial stream and for a federal Express Entry program. The non-Express Entry route is for people who qualify for the stream but not for a federal program.

Why it's required: The two routes have different timelines and end in different federal applications. Don't assume you're on the faster one. The province decides, and getting it wrong is costly.

Who decidesThe provinceThe stream you apply to determines which route you're on.

Express Entry routeNeeds federal eligibilityYou must qualify for a federal Express Entry program too.

Non-Express EntryPaper-based processGenerally slower, with its own federal application at the end.

Documents you'll need

The stream's own description of which process it uses
Your Express Entry profile number, if you already have one

Before this step

BlockedFind a stream you fit

Finishing this unlocks: Register your interest with the province