Canada Invites Skilled Workers for PR, Lowers CRS Score Under PNP

The Canadian government’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended invitations to eligible international individuals for permanent residency under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via the Express Entry system.

This initiative is part of Canada’s ongoing effort to attract skilled workers from around the globe to contribute to its diverse and vibrant economy.

Recent Draws and Invitations

July 2, 2024 Draw

On July 2, 2024, the IRCC conducted its latest draw for the Provincial Nominee Program, inviting 920 candidates from the Express Entry pool. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 739.

Invitations were issued starting at 15:12:05 UTC, with a tie-breaking rule applied to profiles submitted before 11:38:43 UTC on February 2, 2024.

This tie-breaking rule is crucial when multiple candidates have the same lowest CRS score, ensuring that invitations are extended based on the earliest submission date and time.

Previous Draw on June 19, 2024

In a prior draw held on June 19, 2024, the IRCC issued 1,499 invitations to candidates through the Express Entry system under the Provincial Nominee Program. The minimum CRS score for this draw was 663, marking a significant opportunity for those with lower scores compared to the latest draw.

CRS Score Distribution in the Express Entry Pool

As of July 2, 2024, the CRS score distribution in the Express Entry pool is as follows:

This data reflects the distribution of candidates based on their CRS scores, showcasing the competitive nature of the Express Entry system. The highest concentration of candidates falls within the 451-500 range, indicating a strong pool of highly qualified individuals.

Also Read: Express Entry Update: New Proof of Funds Requirements Effective May 28

Understanding the Provincial Nominee Program

The Provincial Nominee Program is a key pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Canada. This program allows provinces and territories to nominate candidates based on their skills, education, and work experience. Nominees must demonstrate the ability to contribute to the economic needs of the specific province or territory that selects them.

Tailored Immigration Programs

Each Canadian province and territory administers its immigration programs within the PNP, targeting distinct groups such as:

• Students: Recent graduates from Canadian educational institutions.
• Businessmen: Entrepreneurs and investors who can stimulate economic growth.
• Skilled Workers: Individuals with professional experience and qualifications.
• Semi-Skilled Workers: Those with experience in trades that require less formal education.

These targeted programs address specific labour market needs, ensuring a steady influx of talent to bolster local economies.

The Express Entry System

Express Entry is the primary system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residency from skilled immigrants. Operated by IRCC, it encompasses multiple immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program: For professionals with foreign work experience.
• Canadian Experience Class: For individuals with work experience in Canada.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program: For skilled tradespeople.
• Provincial Nominee Program: For candidates nominated by a province or territory.

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

Candidates in the Express Entry pool are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns points based on various factors:

• Age: Younger candidates generally receive more points.
• Education: Higher educational qualifications attract higher scores.
• Work Experience: Relevant experience enhances a candidate’s ranking.
• Language Ability: Proficiency in English and/or French is critical.

The CRS score determines eligibility for receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. Regular draws are held approximately every two weeks, each with a specific cut-off score that candidates must meet or exceed to receive an ITA.

Conclusion

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program remains a vital mechanism for international individuals seeking to establish themselves in the country. With its targeted approach and regular draws, the program facilitates a streamlined pathway to permanent residency, helping Canada attract and retain skilled talent from around the world.

Potential immigrants should keep their Express Entry profiles up to date and monitor the latest CRS cut-off scores to optimize their chances of receiving an invitation, as the IRCC continues to hold bi-weekly draws.