Canada recently concluded its 12th Express Entry draw of 2023, wherein Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) extended Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence (PR) to 589 candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
This draw brought an end to a streak of five consecutive all-program draws, as it exclusively targeted PNP candidates. The Express Entry system manages three immigration programs: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Candidates who received ITAs in this round had a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 691. Notably, this CRS cut-off score marked a decrease of 57 points compared to the previous PNP-only draw on March 1 (minimum CRS score of 748).
Remaining candidates in the Express Entry pool can look forward to another draw in approximately two weeks.
About Express Entry
Express Entry serves as Canada’s centralized immigration system for managing applications from three key programs: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Through this streamlined process, the Canadian government aims to attract talented foreign individuals, offering them the opportunity to obtain permanent residency (PR) and contribute to the nation’s economic and social fabric. Recognizing the vital role of immigration in fostering growth and development, Canada actively utilizes Express Entry draws to meet its immigration objectives.
To embark on the journey towards Canadian PR through Express Entry, aspiring candidates must first secure an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This involves a series of steps, beginning with a thorough self-assessment of eligibility for at least one of the three programs. Once deemed eligible, candidates can proceed to create an online Express Entry profile with the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and assess their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which determines their ranking within the candidate pool.
With profiles set up and CRS scores in hand, candidates eagerly await the next Express Entry draw, also known as the “round of invitations,” conducted by the IRCC. During this draw, candidates with CRS scores above the designated cut-off score for that specific draw will receive ITAs. These fortunate individuals can then submit an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR) to the IRCC, initiating the process of obtaining permanent resident status in Canada.
It is important to note that recipients of ITAs are granted a generous timeframe of 60 days to complete their applications, commencing from the day they receive the ITA. This allows candidates ample time to gather the required documentation and fulfill the necessary requirements to successfully navigate the PR application process.
Express Entry, as an integral part of Canada’s immigration strategy, underscores the nation’s commitment to attracting skilled professionals from around the world. By leveraging this efficient and transparent system, individuals have the opportunity to embark on a new chapter of their lives in Canada, while contributing to the country’s ongoing growth and prosperity.
