Feb 2 Express Entry draw sets new record by inviting 1070 PNP candidates

In the Express Entry draw held on February 2, Canada invited 1070 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates to apply for permanent residence in Canada. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System(CRS) score required to be invited in the draw was 674.

As the PNP candidates get 600 additional CRS score points along with the provincial nomination, the minimum base CRS score for this draw can be assumed as 74. The draw broke the record of the January 19 draw, in which 1036 PNP candidates had been invited. The candidates who have received invitations in the latest draw may apply for Canada PR within 60 days.

Before the pandemic, the Express Entry draws mainly targeted Federal Skilled Worker Program candidates. In 2021, Canada invited more Canadian Experience Class candidates. Ever since September 2021, IRCC has been inviting only PNP candidates in the Express Entry draws. It is not known when Canada will resume inviting candidates from other Express Entry programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). However, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser has made clear that this pause is only temporary. It is understood that Canada has decided to resolve the application backlog issue before inviting candidates from Express Entry programs other than PNP. It is expected that this will probably happen by the second half of the current year.

In a meeting with the Canadian Bar Association, Minister Fraser also indicated the possibility of holding occupation-focused Express Entry draws in response to the labour needs of the country. Canada’s Budget 2021 also mentioned the country’s desire to reform Express Entry in such a way to select candidates who best meet its labour market needs.

Canada Express Entry

The Express Entry system of Canada is an online application management system for the three federal economic immigration programs of the country, which are Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program. The PNP candidates who receive invitations in the Express Entry draws are those who have qualified under one of these programs.

To receive an Express Entry invitation, you must first create an Express Entry profile. Each profile will then be assessed on the basis of various human capital factors such as age, education, work experience etc. and a Comprehensive Ranking Score(CRS) will be awarded to them. Those with the highest scores will be invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada in the Express Entry draws that are conducted on a regular basis. On successful application, they will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence or COPR with which, they can move to Canada.

Create an Express Entry profile and enhance your options for Canada immigration. Contact CanApprove for more details.