In 2022, over half of Express Entry invitations went to Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, as revealed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Out of the 37,315 invitations to apply (ITAs) issued last year, 19,160 were granted to PNP candidates, accounting for 51% of the total.
PNP candidates received ITAs primarily when their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores exceeded 600. Out of the 37,315 ITAs, 17,905 were awarded to Express Entry candidates with CRS scores ranging between 491-600. Enhanced provincial nomination is responsible for scores above 600, occurring when a province expresses interest in a candidate due to their high likelihood of successfully integrating into the local economy and settling in the area.
Apart from PNP, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) accounted for 12,960 ITAs and the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) for 5,200 ITAs. No ITAs were issued for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) in 2022.
The provinces experienced varying ITA numbers and types, with Ontario being the top destination choice for Express Entry candidates. Of the 17,920 ITAs awarded in the province, 8,990 were for CEC candidates. British Columbia ranked second, with 4,240 of its 7,495 total ITAs going to PNP candidates.
Under the Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025, PNP allocation targets are set to increase, with over 105,000 new permanent residents expected in 2023 and up to 117,500 per year by 2025. PNP allocations for various provinces, such as Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, will also see a marked increase.
In 2023, the number of ITAs issued in Express Entry draws has already surpassed the entire 2022 total, reaching 37,559 by mid-March. Most of these ITAs were distributed in three consecutive all-program draws held between March 15 and March 29. Later this year, IRCC plans to initiate targeted draws for candidates with specific work experience, language skills, education, or other desirable attributes to meet Canada’s economic needs.