Canada is holding its third PNP draw in a row

This year, Canada has staged 20 draws just for PNP candidates

On 13th October, Canada held another Express Entry draw for persons seeking permanent residency who had received province nominations. Candidates with scores of at least 720 received 681 invites from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). By virtue of having a nomination from a Provincial Nominee Program, all invited candidates earned an automatic 600 points (PNP). The lowest-scoring candidates would only have a score of 120 if they were not nominated.

IRCC invited 761 applicants with scores of at least 742 in the preceding PNP draw. With a lower CRS criterion, this draw is smaller than the previous one, implying fewer PNP applicants with better scores in the pool. IRCC has held bi-weekly Express Entry draws throughout the year, inviting only PNP and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, Canada imposed travel restrictions, making it difficult for out-of-country applicants to complete their permanent residency applications.

IRCC continues to host PNP draws despite the fact that these applicants were not necessarily present in the country due to its commitment to provincial and territorial immigration plans. Candidates for the CEC are almost already in Canada, as they must have at least one year of work experience in specialized employment in Canada. The Express Entry system had a great year this year. Last year at this time, IRCC had begun holding all-program draws, which included candidates for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) as well. Since December 2020, IRCC has not held an all-program Express Entry draw. Despite this, IRCC has sent out an unprecedented number of invitations to PNP and CEC applicants this year.

Last year, IRCC granted a total of 107,350 Express Entry visas, which was a new high. With three months left in the year, the total number of Express Entry invitations has already reached 110,377. In addition, on 13th February, IRCC increased the number of ITAs by inviting every single Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidate to the pool. Despite this, IRCC has sent out an unprecedented number of invitations to PNP and CEC applicants this year.

Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

Applications for Canada's most popular immigration programs are managed through the online Express Entry portal. Express Entry is used in three programs: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. PNP candidates have previously qualified for one of these programs in the Express Entry pool.

Express Entry uses a points-based system known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rate candidates' profiles. The top scorers are given an Invitation to Apply (ITA), which they can use to apply for permanent residency. An IRCC officer then reviews the application and makes a decision.

They'll ask for biometrics and maybe an interview or other paperwork. IRCC gives a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) if the application is granted. The landing procedure can thereafter be completed by permanent residents who have been approved. If they live outside of Canada, they can take advantage of pre-arrival programs to help them get started with the process of settling in.