IRCC’s Latest Draw invited 648 Invitations in Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

In the recent draw the IRCC has issued 648 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the Express Entry draw, which exclusively targeted candidates from the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). To qualify for an ITA in this round, candidates needed to meet a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 791. This marks the second PNP-specific Express Entry draw of the month, following the October 7 draw that invited 1,613 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 743.

 The Key Highlights of the Draw –

•    ITA – 648
•    CRS Score - 791

The Recent Draw – PNP Specific 

The recent draw is part of a growing trend by the IRCC to conduct multiple Express Entry draws each month, often including at least one PNP-only round. Since May 30, the department has issued 12,815 ITAs through PNP-specific draws, underscoring IRCC’s commitment to increasing the number of domestic invitations. This strategy aligns with the department's broader goal of converting temporary residents into permanent ones, a key focus outlined in Canada's Immigration Levels Plan.

This pattern also helps IRCC address both its target of reducing the temporary resident population while meeting the country's annual goals for permanent resident admissions. The upcoming Immigration Levels Plan, expected to be released by November 1, will outline targets for 2025 to 2027. In 2024, the IRCC aimed to admit 110,770 new permanent residents through Express Entry, though it is unclear whether this target has been achieved.

Summary of the Express Entry Draw 2024
 

What is the Express Entry Program?

Express Entry is a points-based  selection system for the skilled workers integration in the country. This system tadministers three of Canada's main economic immigration programs:

• The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), 
• The Canadian Experience Class (CEC), 
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). 

Candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which evaluates factors such as age, occupation, education, language proficiency, and work experience. Candidates nominated by a province through the PNP automatically receive an additional 600 points, significantly boosting their chances of receiving an ITA.

Express Entry draws are conducted regularly, with those receiving ITAs in the second half of 2024 more likely to complete their immigration process by 2025, given the IRCC’s six-month processing standard. As Canada continues to address its labor market needs, the Express Entry system remains a critical tool for selecting skilled immigrants who can contribute to the country's economic growth