Canada First PNP Express Entry Draw of 2023
Today, February 1, 2023, Canada held a PNP Express Entry draw. That means only candidates who had previously received a provincial nomination were invited. This was the first Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw since June 2022.
In this PNP Express Entry draw for Canada PR, 893 candidates were issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This is the first time since June 22, 2022, that IRCC has held a targeted PNP Express Entry draw. There were only “all-programs” draws since the last PNP draw in June 2022. An all-program draw means the three Federal Economic Immigration Programs (FSW, FST & CEC) that are managed under the Express Entry system.
What was the average number of candidates receiving an ITA compared to 2022?
The number of candidates who received an ITA in this draw is slightly higher than the average for draws in 2022, which was 830 ITAs issued.
What was the average CRS score cut-off to receive an ITA compared to 2022?
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-off threshold for this draw was 733 points. The points were so high because PNP candidates automatically received 600 points for having a provincial nomination.
IRCC invited 636 candidates to apply for the PNP Express Entry draw on June 22nd, 2022, with a CRS score cut-off of 752 but compared to previous PNP Express Entry Draws, the CRS score cut-off to receive an ITA in this draw is slightly below average. In 2022, the average CRS score cut-off for all PNP draws was 756.
2022 vs 2023 Express Entry Draws
Before July 6, 2022, all Express Entry draws in 2022 were PNP Express Entry draws. The draws were then changed to “all-program” for the remainder of 2022 and the first two draws of 2023. The third (The latest) 2023 draw is again the PNP Express Entry draw.
Express Entry via the Provincial Nominee Program
Provinces and territories (PTs) with a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) can nominate candidates through the Express Entry pool (PNP Express Entry) in addition to the existing paper-based process. It should be noted that Nunavut does not have a PNP, and Quebec’s economic immigration programmes are not managed via Express Entry.
Candidates with a PT nomination receive an additional 600 points in the CRS, which is usually enough to trigger an ITA in the next round of invitations, subject to that PT’s overall nomination space and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC’s) ministerial instructions for each round of invitations.
PTs have direct access to the Express Entry pool via a dedicated portal to view and nominate candidates. Each PT has a designated administrator who oversees portal access for their jurisdiction. The Permanent Resident Program Delivery Division (PRPD) of Immigration Program Guidance (IPG) manages PT administrators’ access to the portal.
Provincial and territorial nominations (Basic vs. Enhanced)
PT nominations made outside of Express Entry through the existing paper-based process are referred to as “Base Nominations” and are subject to existing PNP streams and processing standards. For these applications, IRCC’s role remains unchanged.
PT nominations made through Express Entry (PNP Express Entry), the online process, are referred to as “Enhanced Nominations,” allowing each PT to increase its annual nomination space. Enhanced nominations are processed online and must be completed within six months (in 80% of cases).
Express Entry streams for Provincial Nominee Program
PTs are in charge of designing, managing, and evaluating their respective Express Entry stream(s), which must comply with Canada Immigration Regulations and bilateral agreements between the PT and IRCC. PTs develop nomination criteria to assess an applicant’s ability to become economically established and their intention to live in the nominating PT. The IRCC retains the final decision and ensures that nominees meet the statutory requirements for admissibility.
What are the minimum requirements for PNP Express Entry candidates?
A foreign national must demonstrate the following to enter and remain in the Express Entry pool as a PNP candidate:
- They have a valid PT nomination from the nominating jurisdiction; and
- They meet the program requirements of one of the Express Entry federal immigration programmes (i.e., Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program or Canadian Experience Class).
When candidates submit their profile in their online account, they can see which federal immigration programs they appear eligible for. This information will also be available in GCMS during the permanent residence (APR) application process.
Express Entry nominations from provinces and territories
In Express Entry, PTs can nominate through one of two processes:
- Candidates discovered in the Express Entry pool
- Candidates found outside the Express Entry Pool
How to immigrate as a provincial nominee through Express Entry?
You must apply using the online process through Express Entry (PNP Express Entry), depending on which Provincial Nominee Program Stream you’re applying to.
- The applicants contact the province or territory and apply for a nomination under their Express Entry stream. They get a nomination through their account, which they accept electronically. If the province or territory agrees to nominate them, they create an Express Entry profile (or update their profile if they already have one) and show they have been set.
OR
- The applicants create an Express Entry profile and show the provinces and territories they are interested in. They apply to their Express Entry stream” If they are nominated, “they will offer it to them through their account and accept it electronically. If a province or territory sends a “notification of interest” to their account, they contact them directly.
You must meet the province or territory’s eligibility requirements in either case. Send an electronic application to IRCC if you receive an invitation to apply (ITA). Additionally, you need to create an Express Entry profile and demonstrate that you meet all of Express Entry’s minimal requirements, including being qualified for one of the immigration programs it manages.
Does PNP guarantee PR?
An invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence (Canada PR) will almost certainly be issued to an applicant if they are nominated through a PNP that is in line with Express Entry by earning 600 more Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.
Is PNP better or Express Entry?
A province nomination will significantly improve your chances of receiving a permanent residence invitation through an Express Entry program. You’ll also gain access to a six-month processing standard. This is faster than the primary PNP streams’ current average processing time.
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