On March 1st, 2023, the Canadian government held a new Express Entry draw, inviting 667 candidates who had applied for permanent residency. This was the first Express Entry draw of March and was unique in that it only invited candidates who had already received a provincial nomination.
The minimum CRS score required for this particular draw was 748. This score represents a slight decrease from the previous PNP-only draw on February 15th, which had a minimum score of 791. It is worth noting, however, that the minimum score can fluctuate between draws based on factors such as the number of candidates in the pool and the number of invitations being issued.
In order to be eligible for the PNP-only draw, candidates had to have a valid Express Entry profile and have received a provincial nomination from a participating province or territory. Once they received a nomination, they were automatically awarded 600 additional points towards their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This boost in points significantly increases their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry.
This latest draw is a reflection of Canada’s ongoing commitment to attracting skilled foreign workers who can contribute to the country’s economy and society. By prioritizing those who have already received a provincial nomination, the government is helping to streamline the immigration process and ensure that candidates with strong connections to specific provinces or territories are able to stay and work in those regions.
Overall, the recent PNP-only draw of March 1st serves as a reminder of the ongoing opportunities available for skilled foreign workers who wish to make Canada their home. With Express Entry draws held regularly and PNPs operating in all provinces and territories, there are numerous pathways to permanent residency and citizenship in Canada.