The IRCC carried out the eighth Express Entry draw of 2023 on 23rd march. This was an all-program draw wherein candidates from all the EE programs were invited. The IRCC sent Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to all applicants meeting the CRS score.
After two consecutive months of taking out program-specific draws, this is the second all-program draw conducted by the IRCC on 23rd march 2023. In the latest EE draw, the IRCC sent ITAs to 7,000 candidates of all programs. Although the minimum CRS score was 484. Candidates from all the programs meeting this required CRS score received the ITAs.
The number of sent ITAs in this latest Express Entry draw was similar to the last all-program draw. In the last all-program draw, the number of ITAs was 7,000. Although the CRS sore remained different. The last draw had a CRS score of 490.
This program-specific draw was surprising for everyone. The IRCC usually comes up with the EE draw every two weeks. However, the IRCC released two draws in two consecutive weeks.
The 7,000 ITAs made up the second-biggest Express Entry draw ever after the record-breaking CEC-only draw in February 2021. It is also linked to the largest all-program draw ever.
Draws conducted between July 2022 and November 2022 were all program draw. Although the smallest draw was recorded on July 6, 1,500 candidates received ITAs. The draw released on July 6 was the first after a long pause of approximately 18 months.
The IRCC majorly focused on candidates with the PNP nomination in early 2023. So far, the IRCC has conducted 4 PNP draws. The last PNP draw by the IRCC was conducted on March 1, 2023, and sent ITAs to 667 PNP candidates. Along with these PNP draws, one more program-specific draw took place, mainly focusing on FSWP candidates on February 2, 2023. All such draws reveal that the IRCC is back to its regular procedure of considering all the EE candidates.
Provincial Immigration Ministers Authorize multi-year PNP Allocation Plan
As a result of the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) meeting, provincial immigration ministers discussed the common issues and ways to bring and retain new immigrants.
The significant result of the FMRI meeting was to support and authorize a multi-year allocation plan. This plan will function similarly to the federal immigration-level plans, expressing immigration targets for the next three years. The multi-year allocation plan will help provinces/territories to prepare essentials in advance to support newcomers effectively.
As a result of this meeting, some provinces have unveiled an acceleration in PNP allocation for this year over 2022. One of the popular provinces, Ontario, will be privileged to offer more than 18,000 nominations in 2025. Manitoba’s PNP allocation has increased by 3,175 nominations to 9,500 compared to 2022. And Saskatchewan will have 7.250 spots in 2023 and 8,500 in 2025.
In 2023, Alberta PNP allocation will go up by 3,250 to 9,750 over 2022. Over the span of 2 years, the Saskatchewan PNP will go as high as 10,849 by the end of 2025. Some provinces have yet to disclose their expected PNP allocation for 2023 and upcoming years.
Candidates unable to get the ITA due to a low CRS score can go for the PNP nomination. The PNP nomination can help the candidate increase overall chances of securing an ITA in the draw. The processing of getting a PNP nomination through Express Entry is known as an enhanced nomination. Provinces and territories regularly examine the EE pool to find suitable candidates. If any candidate seems appropriate, meeting the province/territory requirements, receive EOI for nomination.
Candidates with no Express Entry profile can still get a PNP nomination via base stream. In order to attain the nomination through the base stream, you need to submit an expression of interest to the province/territory where you want to settle. If the province/territory finds you an appropriate candidate, you will be notified of the nomination. Once nominated, you will have a higher chance of getting Canadian PR.
What is Express Entry System?
The Express Entry system makes up the largest economic immigration to Canada every year. Thousands of applicants submit applications via programs operative under the Express Entry to get the Canada PR visa. This program is responsible for managing applications for three major economic programs. These three economic programs are as follows:
- FSWP: Federal Skilled Worker Program
- FSTP: Federal Skilled Trades Program
- CEC: Canadian Experience Class
Candidates can apply via any program for which they are eligible. The eligibility criteria of each program differ. Therefore, before you opt for any program to apply for a PR visa, ensure you meet the program’s requirements.
Once you are eligible for any program, you can create an EE profile. Thereafter, you will be added to the pool of applications wherein you get a CRS score based on multiple factors. The IRCC invites candidates with the highest CRS score from all eligible programs. Invited candidates are required to submit their application with supporting documents within a strict timeframe.
As soon as the IRCC receives your application, they will scrutinize it thoroughly to verify the provided documents and details. If approved, you will receive a CoPR. Notably, the processing time may vary from case to case.
