The third Express Entry PNP-specific draw of 2023 took place recently. However, this is the sixth draw of Express Entry in 2023. On the other hand, it is the fourth program-specific draw of this year. IRCC invited 667 candidates, and the CRS score turned out to be 748. Three program-specific draws occurred for the PNP, while the fourth one was held for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
All program draws for Express Entry paused for one month
Between January 2021 and July 2022, the all-program Express Entry draws had to be paused for at least eighteen months. This long haul occurred because of the border restrictions due to travel-related problems. However, in 2022, all the programs held after July turned out to be all-program draws.
2023 began with two draws held by IRCC, which were all-program draws. These all-program draws indicate that draws were related to Express Entry’s three primary programs based on the minimum CRS score.
5000 candidates received invitations to apply during each draw, which occurred one week after the other. This means the first occurred on January 11 and the other on January 18 this year.
The third Express Entry PNP-specific draw of 2023
IRCC took two weeks to conduct the PNP-specific draw for the first time since June 2022. Additionally, IRCC held one more program-specific draw, issuing invitations to 3,300 candidates under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Ever since Express Entry existed, this turned out to be the first-ever FSWP-only draw. This program is highly renowned among international candidates who can fulfill its requirements, including work experience, educational qualifications, and language proficiency.
Overall, IRCC is responsible for determining the final approval of Express Entry draws. The department has no specific essential parameters related to the number of draws and candidates and the least CRS cut-off.
Express Entry programs and the introduction of application-tracker
IRCC introduced the application tracker. It even declared on February 8 that the Express Entry programs, including FSWP, the Federal Skilled Trade Program, and the Canadian Experience Class, would be able to track and analyze their applications digitally.
The application status tackers will enable clients to check their applications and stay on track with any latest updates. This means they will be able to take the appropriate actions to keep the file in the process. The January 31 data depicts that around 47,868 Express Entry program applicants are still waiting. The same applies to 66,214 PNP applicants.
The department brought forth this tracker system to enhance transparency and provide clients the chance to stay updated with the latest information. In 2022, the same system was launched to help family-class PR applicants, sponsors, and representatives.
Express Entry- a summary
A total of three chief Express Entry programs operate under this immigration application system. These are primarily the FSWP, FSTP, and CEC. Provincial Nominee Program candidates are inherently eligible for a minimum of these three programs. Furthermore, these candidates receive scores under the Comprehensive Ranking System to compete against others. This rank is based on their individual profiles. The higher the scores, the greater their chances of receiving an ITA for permanent residence application.
Once they obtain the invitation, they will have sixty days for PR application submission. After the submission, an IRCC officer will assess whether the application is worthy of approval or not. However, once approved, the candidate will acquire permanent residency status in Canada. He might as well decide to stay there for a lifetime.
