Ottawa: Canada has initiated a new wave of invitations for international applicants seeking permanent residency through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This move aims to enhance the country’s economic landscape by attracting skilled workers from around the globe.
By creating pathways for skilled immigrants, Canada not only addresses labor market demands but also enriches its cultural fabric, ensuring a bright future for both newcomers and the Canadian economy.
Recent Express Entry draw results
On October 7, 2024, the Canadian government announced the latest results of the Express Entry Draw, specifically targeting candidates under the PNP.
This selection event, held every two weeks, provides a pathway for foreign nationals to obtain Canadian Permanent Resident status.
The previous draw occurred on September 9, 2024, where 911 invitations were extended to eligible applicants, with the lowest-ranked candidate achieving a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 732.
Pathways to Canadian residency
The PNP is designed to assist skilled workers who possess the qualifications and experience necessary to contribute to the economy of specific provinces or territories.
Each province and territory within Canada operates its immigration programs, tailored to attract distinct groups, including students, entrepreneurs, and skilled or semi-skilled workers.
This targeted approach enables provinces to address their unique labor market needs effectively.
Understanding the Comprehensive Ranking System
To assess candidates, the Canadian government utilises the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which evaluates individuals based on various criteria, including age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
The CRS score plays a crucial role in determining the success of applicants in obtaining an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency, as seen in the recent draws.
Canadian Experience Class
In addition to the PNP, the Express Entry system encompasses the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which facilitates permanent residency for skilled workers with Canadian work experience.
In the last draw for the CEC on September 19, 2024, a total of 4,000 ITAs were issued, with the lowest-ranked candidate receiving a CRS score of 509.
Applicants under this category must demonstrate at least one year of paid skilled work in Canada within the preceding three years and hold temporary resident status.