A total of 7000 new invitations are issued by IRCC in the Eighth all program Express Entry draw of 2023. To get invited applicants need a minimum of 484 CRS score. Candidates are considered from several programs, including the FSTP – (Federal Skilled Trade Program), CEC, and the FSWP – (Federal Skilled Workers Program).
On March 15, 7,000 additional applicants attended the largest-ever all-program draw, which was held with the same size draw. It was necessary to have a CRS of at least 490 to qualify for that draw. As a result, the IRCC invited 5,500 candidates to the January 18 all-program draw, a record number for the organization.
It is an unexpected draw because IRCC has invited Express Entry applicants for the second consecutive week. Two-weekly draws are usually held for Express Entry. After the record-breaking CEC-only draw in February 2021, the 7,000 ITAs are the second-largest Express Entry draw ever. It is also tied for the largest all-program draw ever.
At the smallest draw on July 6, only 1,500 candidates were invited, and all other draws took place between July and November 2022. As the first all-program draw since the COVID-19 epidemic, it followed an 18-month hiatus.
Participants in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) were the primary target of the early Express Entry draws in 2023. PNP-only Express Entry draws have occurred four times this year, including the most recent draw on March 1. A PNP draw was held on February 2 and a Federal Skilled Worker Program draw was held the previous day. Express Entry applicants are now being considered by IRCC based on their standard practices.
PNP levels plan endorsed by immigration ministers
FMRI (Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration) members met recently to discuss shared concerns and strategies to improve immigration.
One of the outcomes of the meeting was the adoption of the first, multi-year provincial migration plan. A similar process will be used for setting three-year immigration targets as set forth in the Immigration Levels Plan of the federal government. By knowing the distribution of provincial nominations in advance, the provinces will be able to plan for housing. And infrastructure needs to accommodate and retain immigrants.
PNP allocations have been increased by some provinces this year over 2022 following the meeting. In 2025, Ontario’s allotment will jump to 18,000 places, making it one of the largest provinces in the country. There will be 7,250 candidates allocated to Saskatchewan in 2023, expanding to 8,500 in 2025, whereas Manitoba’s allocation for 2023 is up by 3,175 places over 2022.
Additionally, Alberta will see a substantial increase in space allocations for 2023, going from 6,500 spots in 2022 to 9,750 places. The allocations will increase over two years, reaching 10,849 by 2025. Other provinces do not yet know the number of PNP allocations allocated in their provinces.
It is very likely that a candidate will receive an ITA if he or she receives the nomination of a provincial government. A nomination by a province as an Express Entry candidate immediately increases an applicant’s CRS score by 600 points, ensuring them an ITA for permanent residence.
It is still possible for provinces to nominate economic immigration candidates who are not enrolled in the Express Entry program (base nominations). Candidate’s applications for permanent residency can also benefit from this.
Eighth Express Entry draw – PGWP extension offered by IRCC
Last week, IRCC gave a reprieve to several holders of Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs). As a result of recent irregularities in Express Entry draws that harmed PGWP holders eligible under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), PGWP holders will receive an 18-month extension to their Open Work Permit, which they can apply for on the IRCC website starting on April 6. Following the announcement of this decision, Sean Fraser, the Minister of Immigration, expressed his concern with the decision. The new rule will make it easier for even more PGWP holders to be considered for Fast Entry ITAs in the future. A total of 286,000 PGWP holders were registered in Canada at the end of 2022, according to the IRCC.
Express Entry – What is it?
The Express Entry system is a method for managing applications for Canada’s three economic immigration programs that is: FSWP, Canadian Experience Class, and FSTP.
Based on these initiatives, IRCC selects permanent residents based on the cut-off score determined by the CRS – (Comprehensive Ranking System). In the Express Entry pool, all applicants are evaluated by the CRS, and only the top-scoring applicants receive ITA. Applicants who receive invitations in a Provincial Nominee Program draw are already Express Entry candidates.
The ITA can be used by those who receive the highest scores to submit applications for permanent residency. In addition to providing individuals with a streamlined and efficient way to apply for permanent residence. Express Entry is also a great opportunity for those who wish to work and live in Canada. Taking advantage of the CRS and its programs can maximize one’s chances of obtaining permanent residency.
Applications are completed and submitted by candidates within two months. Immigration officers decide whether to approve an application after reviewing it.
