This week IRCC conducted the sixth Express Entry draw and third Express Entry PNP-only draw. It was determined that 667 applicants had a minimum CRS score of 748 to receive invitations.
Following the PNP-only draw that took place on February 15. It was the fourth draw in 2023 targeted specifically at immigration programs. A total of four program-specific draws were conducted. With three focusing on the PNP and one on the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).
The most recent all-program draw was about a month ago.
From January 2021 to July 2022, all program draws for Express Entry was put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic. And the consequent border closures and limitations. It should be noted, however, that all draw since July 2022 has been all-program draws.
Only two draws have been held by the IRCC since 2023 that included immigrants from all three Express Entry programs. On January 11 and 18, the draws were held a week apart, inviting 5,000 candidates each.
In the wake of a two-week break, IRCC conducted its first draw exclusively for PNP candidates since June 2022. Followed by another on the following day for Federal Skilled Worker applicants (FSWPs). This was the first time in the history of Express Entry, which began in 2015. The draw was conducted solely for candidates in the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). Foreign candidates who meet the work experience, language, and education criteria can apply for the FSWP, one of the most popular Express Entry programs.
Immigration ministers and the IRCC are solely responsible for determining the timing, the number of candidates, and the minimum CRS score for Express Entry draws. It is left up to the relevant authorities to determine when draws should take place. As well as what parameters they should follow under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
The IRCC has introduced an application tracker for the Express Entry programs.
As of February 8, the IRCC announced the availability of an online application tracking system. It was for candidates in the FSWP, CEC, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Also, this software is available for candidates in provincial nominee programs. A tracker will provide applicants with updates on their applications. As well as any actions they need to take to ensure the file’s progress. As of January 31, 47,868 applicants waited for Express Entry programs, while 66,214 applicants waited for PNPs.
It is the goal of the IRCC to provide candidates with better access to information by introducing application trackers. Last year, a comparable system was introduced for individuals in the family class, including applicants for permanent residence, sponsors, and their representatives.
About Express Entry
Canada has established the Express Entry system to facilitate the process of permanent residency for skilled immigrants from around the world. This program was launched in 2015. And it uses a points-based system, the CRS. It evaluates applicants based on various factors including age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Applications for permanent residency in Canada must be submitted within sixty days of receiving an invitation from the Express Entry pool.
The government of Canada annually sets objectives for the number of immigrants to be accepted into the country via the Express Entry system. These proposed limits are divided into three primary groups. The groups are the FSWP, CEC, and FSTP, so as to accommodate changing economic and labor market conditions.
Highly skilled workers can immigrate to Canada more easily through Express Entry. A province or territory’s immigration program is linked to Express Entry via the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The nomination of a province or territory increases a candidate’s likelihood of being invited to apply for permanent residence. Because they are awarded extra points toward their CRS score.
