Maple News reports that Canada has inaugurated its 2021 immigration intake with a targeted Express Entry draw exclusively for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. On January 6, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 250 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence to candidates who had previously secured provincial nominations.
To be invited, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 813. While this score may appear high, it’s important to note that those nominated through a PNP receive an automatic 600-point boost to their CRS score. This means their original human capital score could be as low as 213.
The Express Entry system is Canada’s primary pathway for skilled immigrants, managing applications across three federal streams: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. In addition, some Provincial Nominee Programs are aligned with the Express Entry system, allowing provinces to select candidates who best fill regional labor market gaps.
Applicants within Express Entry are evaluated using the Comprehensive Ranking System, a merit-based points model that considers age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other adaptability factors. While job offers or Canadian work experience are not mandatory, they can boost a candidate’s score significantly.
Once candidates receive an ITA, they can formally apply for permanent residence. If approved, IRCC provides them with a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), after which they must finalize their landing procedures in Canada. Successful applicants are then eligible to receive their permanent resident card and, over time, may qualify for Canadian citizenship.
Toward the end of 2020, the CRS cutoff scores trended downward, partly due to IRCC conducting larger draws. This strategy enabled more candidates from the top of the pool to receive invitations, enhancing the accessibility of permanent residency for many skilled individuals globally.
With this first draw of 2021 focusing solely on PNP candidates, Canada reaffirms its commitment to decentralized immigration, empowering provinces and territories to meet their unique demographic and economic needs.
Maple News will continue to follow and report on upcoming Express Entry draws and policy updates from IRCC, helping prospective immigrants stay informed on their path to Canada.