October 21st Express Entry – PNP draw

The turning point of October 2024, a Monday PNP – Express Entry Draw. This draw occurred on 21st October 2024 on Monday with a tie-breaking rule of August 13, 2024, at 20:04:52 UTC. 

A total of 648 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 791.

Highlights of the October 18 Draw

• Total ITAs Issued: 648
• Minimum CRS Score: 791
• Program-Specific Draw: PNP-only

This draw continues a trend where IRCC focuses on PNP candidates, reflecting the growing importance of provincial nominations in Canada’s immigration landscape. The high CRS score is expected, given the 600-point boost for PNP nominees, meaning that most candidates only needed to score 191 points from other factors like age, education, work experience, and language ability.

Previously, 3,113 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency were issued on October 7, 9, and 10.

CRS Score Distribution

School of Thought

The latest PNP-only Express Entry draw demonstrates Canada’s commitment to selecting skilled immigrants who can contribute to regional economies. With 648 ITAs issued, the draw also provides a reminder that provincial nominations are a powerful way to boost a candidate’s CRS score and secure an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

For the foreseeable future, PNP draws will probably continue to be a crucial component of Canada’s immigration strategy as the IRCC continues to strike a balance between its immigration aims and labor market demands. Monitoring PNP opportunities could greatly increase your chances of success in the Express Entry system if you are a prospective immigrant weighing your options.

Eligibility Criteria 

To be eligible for an Express Entry draw, candidates must first qualify under one of the three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Applicants need to meet specific criteria related to age, education, work experience, language proficiency in English or French, and other adaptability factors. They must create an online profile in the Express Entry system, where they are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). 

While each program has distinct requirements, the CRS score, which evaluates core human capital factors, determines a candidate’s likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in subsequent draws. For Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws, a provincial nomination is also required.

How Express Entry Works

Canada’s Express Entry system is a popular and efficient way for skilled workers to immigrate to the country. Launched in 2015, it streamlines the application process for three major economic immigration programs and helps Canada select qualified candidates who can contribute to its economy. Here’s an in-depth look at how Express Entry works and what you need to know about the process.

1. Step One: Determine Eligibility

The first step in the Express Entry process is determining whether you qualify under one of the three federal immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Designed for individuals with foreign work experience and skills in demand in Canada.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For candidates with experience in a skilled trade.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Targeted at individuals with work experience in Canada.

Each program has specific criteria related to work experience, education, language skills (English or French), and other factors. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) also work through the Express Entry system for candidates nominated by a province or territory.

2. Step Two: Create Your Express Entry Profile

Once you confirm your eligibility, you create an online profile in the Express Entry pool. This profile requires information such as your age, education, language test results, work experience, and details of your spouse or common-law partner if applicable.

3. Step Three: Get Your CRS Score

After submitting your profile, you will be ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS awards points based on several factors:

• Core Human Capital: Age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
• Skills Transferability: Combination of education, work experience, and language abilities.
• Additional Points: These include factors like having a provincial nomination (worth 600 points), a job offer, Canadian education, or family in Canada.

Your CRS score is crucial as it determines your position in the Express Entry pool and your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

4. Step Four: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

IRCC holds regular Express Entry draws, where candidates with the highest CRS scores receive an ITA for permanent residency. These draws are typically program-specific or focused on certain categories, such as Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates or those with specific skills. The number of ITAs issued and the CRS score cut-off vary in each draw.

5. Step Five: Submit Your Application for Permanent Residence

If you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. This includes detailed documentation, such as proof of work experience, educational credentials, language test results, and medical and police clearance certificates.

IRCC generally processes Express Entry applications within six months of submission, making it one of the fastest immigration pathways to Canada.

6. Step Six: Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

Once your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). With this, you can travel to Canada and officially become a permanent resident.

What’s Next for Express Entry?

As 2024 draws to a close, immigration enthusiasts are keenly watching the trends within Express Entry. While this PNP-only draw catered to a smaller pool of candidates, the general draws are expected to return, providing opportunities for candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class programs. We are expecting a French draw or STEM category draw.

To get further updates on the upcoming draws this week subscribe to TheCanadaTime.