1032 immigration candidates invited in largest ever PNP-only Express Entry draw

In the largest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-specific Express Entry draw ever, Canada invited a total of 1032 candidates to apply for permanent residence. The minimum required Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the draw held on December 10 was 698.

So far, a total of 38 PNP-only draws have been held since the start of Express Entry in 2015. These draws have invited only fewer than 1000 candidates in each, except for the one held on June 23 in which 1002 candidates were invited and the latest one. Among these 38 PNP-only draws, 34 were held during the pandemic period and these invited a total of 18817 candidates to apply for permanent residence.

The CRS cut-off scores in these draws have remained relatively high, especially since the PNP candidates receive 600 additional CRS score points along with the nomination. The CRS cut-off score of 698 in the December 10 draw indicates that the minimum basic CRS score of the candidates invited in the draw would be 98.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada(IRCC) has been holding PNP-only Express Entry draws in a row since September this year and the December 10 draw is the seventh. In the previous draw held on, 613 candidates with a minimum score of 737 received invitations.

Canada Express Entry

The Express Entry system of Canada manages applications for immigration under the three economic immigration programs of Canada, which are the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. The candidates who wish to migrate to Canada through Express Entry must create an Express Entry profile. Each of these Express Entry profiles will be assessed on the basis of various human capital factors such as age, education, work experience etc. and awarded a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. All the Provincial Nominee Programs have at least one immigration stream or category aligned to the federal Express Entry system. The Express Entry candidates who are nominated by the provinces receive 600 additional CRS score points. That puts provincial nominees at a better place to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada in a subsequent Express Entry draw.

Express Entry draws held so far in 2021

If you are interested in Canada immigration, create an Express Entry profile without delay. For the best assistance, connect with CanApprove.