The Eighth Express Entry draw of 2023 was surprisingly held, with a whopping 7,000 invitations sent to candidates. It was an all-program draw and had the minimum CRS score of 484. This means that candidates from all the Express Entry programs were acknowledged. These include the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and the FSTP. This specific draw is similar to the last most significant draw on March 15, in which 7,000 candidates received invitations. The former draw had a CRS score of 490. Prior to this, 5,500 candidates had received ITAs on January 18 in the Express Entry draw.
The current draw is unique because it is the second week when candidates consecutively attained invitations. Usually, these draws occur once in two weeks; the current draw is the second one held in the second week. Additionally, this draw marks a tie with the previous draw in terms of draw size because 7,000 is the second-largest number of ITAs so far. This is in contrast with the CEC-specific draw that occurred in February 2021.
The draws between July and November 2022 were all-program draws with the smallest draw size of 1,500 ITAs. The smallest draw was held on July 6, 2022. Precisely, this draw turned out to be the first one after the long haul of 18 months due to Covid-19.
Overall, in 2023, there were four Express Entry draws that were PNP-only. Recently, on March 1, 667 candidates received ITAs. Apart from this, there were three PNP draws, along with one specifically for FSWP candidates, held on February 2 this year.
However, IRCC has returned to its standard process of considering all-program Express Entry pool candidates.
Immigration ministers introduced a multi-year PNP plan
FMRI’s recent meeting consisted of the provincial immigration ministers who sat to discuss the common challenges and ways to welcome more new immigrants to Canada.
The meeting concluded with introducing a multi-year PNP levels plan that would function like the federal Immigration Levels Plan. This plan typically streamlines immigration targets for the upcoming three years.
Additionally, the provinces will also become aware in advance of their provincial nomination allocations. As a result, these provinces will have the time to prepare for proper housing and infrastructure requirements. This way, they will be able to welcome newcomers and even retain them.
Moreover, this specific meeting has even brought forth a huge change in the number of PNP allocations this year compared to 2022. For instance, a Canadian province like Ontario will see a shift in allocation with up to 18,000 spaces in 2025. Similarly, Manitoba has also witnessed a rise in allocations by nearly 3,175 spots. This accounts for 9,500 spaces in Manitoba PNP allocations. Also, Saskatchewan will witness an increase with 7,250 grants in 2023, while it further rises to 8,500 in 2025.
Besides this, Alberta is set to increase its PNP allocations by up to 9,750, implying an increase from 2022s 6,500 spots. Similar to Saskatchewan, these spaces will continue to enhance over the upcoming two years and get to another high of 10,849 spaces by 2025. The remaining provinces will soon disclose their data on the number of PNP allocations.
The Eighth Express Entry draw of 2023 was held recently
Express Entry candidates can indeed enhance their chances of receiving invitations by acquiring a Provincial Nomination. Usually, this process is the Enhanced Nomination. When a province nominates an Express Entry candidate, they automatically receive extra 600 points. This added score is a part of the score under the Comprehensive Ranking System. This score stamps the candidate’s ITA for Canadian Permanent Residence.
Candidates who aren’t a part of the Express Entry program but fall under the economic immigration category have the chance to receive a base nomination through the province. Furthermore, this solidifies a candidate’s Permanent Residence application.
PGWP extension- yet another step by IRCC
IRCC recently pardoned the Post-Graduation Work Permit holders who expressed their interest in acquiring PR. The inconsistent pattern of the Express Entry draws recently affected the PGWP holders who had gained eligibility under the CEC. Therefore, Sean Fraser declared that PGWP holders would acquire an 18 months extension concerning the Open Work Permit. Moreover, candidates will be able to apply for the same from April 6. Further, this also indicates that an increasing number of PGWP holders will consider Express Entry ITAs. Interestingly, according to IRCC, there were nearly 286,000 PGWP holders in the country in the latter half of 2022.
The Express Entry system- essential details
Express Entry can be classified as a digital application management system with three chief economic class immigration programs. These programs are the FSWP, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Additionally, IRCC gets the opportunity to select appropriate candidates through these programs for Permanent Residence. However, they get selected using the CRS. The Comprehensive Ranking System provides scores to each candidate in the pool, and the ones who are competent enough with higher scores receive an invitation to apply.
Candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program with ITAs are the ones who are already Express Entry candidates too. After receiving an ITA, they are supposed to submit their PR application within sixty days. The IRCC officer will further verify the application’s authenticity for approval.
This year, the eight Express Entry draw of 2023 marked its presence recently with a massive number of 7,000 ITAs.
