The latest PNP cut-off stayed high, which is exactly why nomination strategy still looks less like a side route and more like a separate lane altogether.
A high PNP score should not shock anyone now
PNP rounds have been signaling the same thing for months: once nomination is in the picture, the score reflects selection mechanics more than broad pool competitiveness.
For candidates outside provincial conversations, comparing a CEC score directly to a PNP score still leads to the wrong conclusion.
What PNP actually means for planning
A provincial path is not just a rescue option for low scores. It is a different strategic route that rewards regional fit, occupation relevance, employer alignment, or existing ties.
That is why strong candidates should still think early about which provinces make sense for them before their score pressure becomes urgent.
The better question to ask
Instead of asking whether 798 is fair or unfair, candidates should ask whether they have a profile that can realistically become province-relevant.
That shift produces better planning decisions than reacting emotionally to a number that represents a different stream logic.