On October 7, 2024, Canada held an Express Entry draw inviting 1,613 candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
These candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 743 to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
The high CRS score reflects the 600 points automatically added through provincial nominations, giving candidates a significant advantage in the Express Entry pool.
Overview of Express Entry and PNP
Express Entry is Canada’s primary system for managing applications from skilled workers who want to immigrate permanently. It covers three main immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
The Provincial Nominee Program is a separate program, yet linked to Express Entry through “enhanced” nominations. Provinces have their own immigration streams under PNP that align with federal Express Entry categories. A provincial nomination gives candidates a major boost in the system because of the extra 600 CRS points, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an ITA.
Key Details from the Express Entry Draw 7th October 2024
- Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) Issued: 1,613
- CRS Score Cutoff: 743
- Date and Time of Draw: October 7, 2024, at 15:02:50 UTC
- Tie-breaking Rule: March 22, 2024, at 18:36:54 UTC
What Happens Next for the Invited Candidates?
Candidates who received an ITA in this draw now have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residency. This includes providing documentation to prove their eligibility, such as language test results, education credentials, work experience records, and proof of funds. Once an application is submitted, IRCC will process it, typically within six months.
If approved, these candidates can then move to Canada as permanent residents, where they can live, work, and settle in the province that nominated them.
How to Increase CRS score
To increase your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in Express Entry, consider the following strategies:
- Improve Language Scores: Higher IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF scores can boost your CRS significantly.
- Gain More Work Experience: Canadian or foreign work experience, especially in a skilled profession, can add points.
- Pursue Higher Education: Obtain a higher level of education or ensure your foreign credentials are recognized.
- Provincial Nomination: Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to gain 600 additional CRS points.
- Spouse’s Credentials: Improve your spouse’s language test scores or education level.
By focusing on these areas, you can increase your CRS score and improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Previous Draw
The latest Express Entry draw, held on September 19, 2023, invited 4,000 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates with a minimum CRS score of 509, slightly higher than the previous draw on August 27 (507). Since July, IRCC has issued 21,800 ITAs to CEC candidates, reflecting a growing focus on “domestic” candidates. This shift aims to reduce the number of temporary residents and help meet permanent residency targets, aligning with Canada’s border immigration objectives.
How do the Express Entry system’s Provincial Nominee Programs operate?
Employer-driven immigration programs known as “Provincial Nominee Programs” enable participating Canadian provinces and territories to propose people who fit particular labor market and financial requirements.
Candidates who are nominated get an extra 600 points toward their Express Entry total ranking score, which considerably raises the likelihood that they will be invited to apply for permanent residence.
When is the Next Draw
The next Express Entry draw is expected to take place on October 21, 2024. Based on recent trends, it could either focus on Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates or be a category-based draw. With IRCC’s emphasis on domestic candidates and the need to meet permanent residency targets, there’s a strong possibility that CEC candidates might be prioritized again, although category-based selections could also play a role in the upcoming draw.
