Are you ready for some exciting news in the world of Canadian immigration? Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have recently held its third PNP-only draw of the year, inviting 667 candidates to apply for permanent residency. Let's dive into the details and see what this means for prospective immigrants.

Quick Summary

  • Draw number: 6th Express Entry draw of 2023 

  • Date: 1st March 2023, 

  • CRS score: 748 

  • Invitations: 667 candidates.

  • Draw program: PNP Only Draw


Contents

The Draw and the Numbers

On March 1st, 2023, IRCC conducted the sixth Express Entry draw of the year, issuing invitations to 667 candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 748. This was the fourth program-specific draw of 2023 and the third PNP-only draw of the year.

What is PNP?

For those new to the Canadian immigration process, PNP stands for Provincial Nominee Program. It is an immigration program that allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who meet their specific immigration needs and requirements. Each province and territory has its own PNP with unique eligibility criteria, and nominated candidates receive additional points in the Express Entry system.

The Long Wait for All-Program Draws

All-program Express Entry draws were paused for 18 months between January 2021 and July 2022 due to border closures and restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, all draws in 2022 were all-program after July.

Since the beginning of 2023, IRCC has held only two all-program draws, meaning draws in which candidates from all three Express Entry managed programs were invited based on their minimum CRS score. Those attracted each invited 5,000 candidates and were held one week apart on January 11 and 18.

IRCC then waited two weeks for the next draw, the first PNP-only draw since June 2022. On the following day, IRCC held another draw, inviting 3,300 candidates from only the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). This was the first time since Express Entry began in 2015 that IRCC has held an FSWP-only draw. The FSWP is one of the most prominent Express Entry programs open to overseas candidates who meet the requirements of work experience, language, and educational experience.

What Does This Mean for Candidates?

For candidates who received an invitation to apply, this is an exciting opportunity to pursue permanent residency in Canada. However, it's important to remember that meeting the minimum CRS score does not guarantee an invitation, as IRCC only invites a certain number of candidates in each draw.

For candidates who did not receive an invitation, it's essential to keep improving their CRS score and exploring other immigration options. With Canada's commitment to welcoming immigrants and filling the labor market gaps, there are still many opportunities for those determined to make Canada their new home.

FAQs

What is the minimum CRS score for the latest PNP-only draw?

The minimum CRS score for the latest PNP-only draw was 748.

What is PNP?

PNP stands for Provincial Nominee Program. It is an immigration program that allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who meet their specific immigration needs and requirements.

How many all-program draws has IRCC held in 2023 so far?

IRCC has held only two all-program draws in 2023 so far.

When was the previous draw of Express Entry?

The previous express entry draw was held on 15th Feb 2023, inviting 699 candidates.

Draw Summary

IRCC's latest PNP-only draw is an exciting development for prospective immigrants, providing a pathway to permanent residency in Canada for 667 candidates. While the pandemic has caused disruptions to the Canadian immigration system, IRCC is still committed to welcoming immigrants and filling the labor market gaps. For those who are determined to make Canada their new home, there are still many opportunities to explore.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an application management system used by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process and manage applications for permanent residency. It is a points-based system that ranks candidates based on their skills, education, work experience, language ability, and other factors contributing to their ability to successfully integrate into Canadian society.

There are three main programs available under Express Entry: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Candidates already in the Express Entry pool and eligible for one of these programs can apply for permanent residency.

How does the Comprehensive Ranking System work?

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system used by IRCC to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. Candidates are evaluated on a scale of 1,200 points, which is broken down into two main categories:

Core human capital factors

This includes a candidate's age, education, language ability, and work experience. Candidates can earn up to 500 points in this category.

Additional factors

This includes factors such as a candidate's spouse or common-law partner's education and language ability, Canadian work experience, or a provincial nomination. Candidates can earn up to 600 points in this category.

What happens after you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?

If you are selected from the Express Entry pool and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you will have 60 days to submit your application for permanent residency. During this time, you must gather all necessary documents, such as police certificates and medical exams, and fill out the necessary forms.

Once your application is submitted, an IRCC officer will review your application and make a decision on whether or not to approve your permanent residency. If your application is approved, you will become a permanent resident of Canada and can settle in the country.

FAQs

Q: Can I apply to multiple programs under Express Entry?

A: Yes, candidates can apply to all three programs (CEC, FSWP, FSTP) if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Q: How often do Express Entry draws occur?

A: Express Entry draws are at the discretion of the immigration minister and IRCC. There is no schedule for when draws will occur or how many candidates will be selected.

Q: Is there a minimum CRS score required to be selected?

A: The minimum CRS score required for selection varies with each draw and is determined by the immigration minister and IRCC.