Canada conducted its fifth Express Entry draw of 2023 on 15th February. A total of 699 PNP candidates received ITA. A minimum of 791 CRS is required to get invited to this draw.
The PNP – (Provincial Nominee Program) applicants were the only ones eligible for the draw on February 3. After the draws on February 1 and February 2, this was the third draw of the year that was special to a certain program. The draw held on February 2 only invited candidates who applied under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), whereas the draw conducted on February 1 extended invitations to candidates who had already obtained a provincial nomination.
A draw pattern for the year 2023 has not yet been established
Every other Wednesday is the date for Express Entry draws. It was established before the COVID-19 pandemic and in the latter part of 2022. It seems, however, that the 2023 draws have diverged significantly from this pattern so far.
After the first Express Entry draw on January 11, there have been several noticeable changes in the draw process. An unanticipated six-second delay occurred during the draw on January 11. It was caused by an IT system error after NOC 2021 was implemented, according to IRCC.
The next draw was held on January 18, just one week later. The number of ITAs issued has not changed since January 11, but the CRS score has decreased significantly.
IRCC delayed the next draw by two weeks, which was originally scheduled for February 1. The fact that this draw was not an all-program draw set it apart from others. In the Provincial Nominee Program, ITAs were only given to candidates who were nominated. PNP-only draws have not been held at IRCC since June 2022. After being temporarily halted between January 2021 and July 2022 because of pandemic limitations and border closures, all program draws resumed.
In the following days, applicants for the FSWP were invited to participate in that draw, marking it as the most current drawing. As far as we know, there has never been a draw that is restricted to FSWP since Express Entry was launched in 2015. Express Entry is known for its FSWP immigration route.
A draw for Express Entry can only be conducted by the immigration minister and IRCC. A minimum CRS cut-off score or timing of draws is not regulated by the IRPA. Depending on the minister’s decision, Canada’s economic objectives may be achieved through daily or irregular drawings.
Express Entry – An overview
Express Entry is an online system for immigration to Canada that streamlines the selection process for candidates applying to the three main immigration programs: the FSWP, CEC – (Canadian Experience Class), and the FSTP – (Federal Skilled Trades Program). The selection of candidates is based on a points system. This system takes into account their language proficiency, work experience, and other criteria. Candidates who are part of the PNP can also enter the Express Entry pool. It makes them eligible for any of the three primary Canadian immigration programs. Once candidates are in the pool, they are assigned a score based on their qualifications and experience, and those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
The IRCC’s approval criteria are reviewed after the candidate submits their application. If the application is approved, the candidate is granted Canadian permanent residency status, which enables them to pursue Canadian citizenship.
