1,391 candidates selected in recent PNP-only Express Entry draw (Photo credit: CIC News)
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently conducted an Express Entry draw, inviting a total of 1,391 candidates to apply for permanent residency. This particular draw focused solely on the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), allowing candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 670 to qualify.
This draw marks the fifth Express Entry event since July began, highlighting the ongoing opportunities for prospective immigrants. Just last week, on July 8, IRCC had invited 3,200 candidates based on French language skills, showcasing a variety of selection categories.
In addition, earlier this month on July 2, another PNP-focused draw invited 920 candidates, with a notably higher CRS requirement of 739. The higher CRS scores in PNP draws are not unusual; candidates nominated for the PNP receive an extra 600 points added to their existing score, significantly improving their chances of receiving an invitation. For instance, a candidate with a base score of 300 who receives a PNP nomination would then have a total score of 900.
Here’s a summary of the Express Entry draws conducted in 2024:
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
| July 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,391 | 670 |
| July 8 | French proficiency | 3,200 | 420 |
| July 5 | Healthcare occupations | 3,750 | 445 |
| July 4 | Trade occupations | 1,800 | 436 |
| July 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 920 | 739 |
| June 19 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,499 | 663 |
| May 31 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 522 |
The table illustrates the variety of draws and the diverse groups targeted by IRCC this year.
Express Entry serves as the main pathway for several economic immigration programs in Canada, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Each of these programs offers a route to permanent residency, evaluated through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
The CRS considers factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills, assigning points that determine a candidate's overall score. Introduced in 2015, the system aims to streamline the application process, with IRCC aiming to process applications within six months.
In 2023, IRCC introduced category-based selection to better align candidates with Canada’s workforce needs. This initiative includes six specific categories, designed to fill gaps in the labor market:
Candidates must be in the Express Entry pool to qualify under these categories, emphasizing the importance of being actively involved in the immigration process.
The recent draw by IRCC signals continued commitment to addressing Canada's immigration needs. With thousands of invitations issued throughout July and a focus on specific categories, candidates have multiple pathways to secure their future in Canada. The PNP remains a vital avenue for many hopeful immigrants, furthering Canada’s goal of attracting skilled individuals to strengthen its economy.
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