Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted fourth program-specific draw of 2023 on 15th February, in this PNP-only draw 667 candidates were issued invitations with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 748.
Three of the program-specific draws have been for the PNP while one has been for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).
Since the beginning of 2023, IRCC has held only two all program draws, meaning draws in which candidates from all three Express Entry managed programs were invited based on their minimum CRS score. Those draws each invited 5,000 candidates and were held one week apart on January 11 and 18.
IRCC then waited two weeks for the next draw, which was the first PNP-only draw since June 2022. On the following day, IRCC held another draw, inviting 3,300 candidates from only the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). This was the first time since Express Entry began in 2015 that IRCC has held a FSWP-only draw. The FSWP is one of the most prominent Express Entry programs and open to candidates overseas who meet the work experience, language and educational experience requirements.
Express Entry draws are totally at the discretion of the immigration minister and IRCC. There is no law in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act that dictates when draws will occur, the number of candidates or the minimum CRS cut-off score.
IRCC launches application tracker for Express Entry programs
On February 8, IRCC announced that candidates in the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) will now be able to monitor their applications online. It will also apply to candidates in Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
These status trackers will allow clients to monitor their application and stay informed on any updates regarding actions that may be required to keep their file moving. Data from January 31 shows 47,868 applicants for Express Entry programs waiting in the queue and 66,214 for PNPs.
IRCC has introduced these trackers as a way to increase transparency and improve access to information. Last year, an identical system was introduced for family class permanent residence applicants, sponsors and their representatives.