Canada’s September 2023 Express Entry and PNP Draw Update

What’s New: September 2023 Express Entry and PNP Draws

In September 2023, Canada issued a total of 17,145 invitations for permanent residence through Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program draws. However, this total reflected a decrease of 7,575 invitations compared to August 2023. At the same time, Ontario issued only 2,677 invitations, which clearly signaled a more selective approach.

Overall, September highlighted a strategic shift toward targeted and occupation-based draws. Consequently, fewer large all-program draws took place during the month.

Overview of Immigration Draws in September 2023

Throughout September, Canada conducted immigration draws across multiple federal and provincial programs. As a result, candidates with region-specific and occupation-specific profiles gained better opportunities.

Specifically, the draws covered:

• Express Entry
• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
• Quebec Arrima
• Manitoba PNP
• British Columbia PNP
• Alberta Advantage Immigration Program
• Prince Edward Island PNP

Together, these programs continued to support Canada’s economic and labour-market priorities.

Express Entry Draws – September 2023

During September, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada conducted five Express Entry draws. As a result, 8,300 candidates received Invitations to Apply for permanent residence.

Importantly, IRCC conducted two general draws without specifying a program. Consequently, these two draws alone accounted for 6,200 invitations.

The detailed breakdown is as follows:

• On September 28, 2023, IRCC issued 600 invitations for agriculture and agri-food occupations. As a result, the CRS cut-off dropped to 354.
• On September 27, 2023, IRCC issued 500 invitations for French-language proficiency. Therefore, candidates required a CRS score of 472.
• On September 26, 2023, IRCC issued 3,000 invitations in a no-program-specified draw. Consequently, the CRS cut-off reached 504.
• On September 20, 2023, IRCC issued 1,000 invitations for transport occupations. As a result, the CRS cut-off stood at 435.
• On September 19, 2023, IRCC issued 3,200 invitations under another general draw. Therefore, the CRS cut-off increased to 531.

Additionally, IRCC conducted occupation-based draws for transportation and agriculture for the first time. As a result, September became a milestone month for category-based selection.

So far in 2023, Express Entry has issued a total of 86,048 invitations.

Ontario PNP Draws – September 2023

Meanwhile, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program conducted six invitation rounds during September. Through these draws, Ontario issued 2,677 invitations for permanent residence.

Most notably, Ontario focused heavily on the Human Capital Priorities stream. Consequently, candidates aligned with healthcare and priority occupations benefited the most.

Key Ontario PNP draws included:

• On September 26, 2023, Ontario issued 1,696 invitations under the Human Capital Priorities stream. As a result, the CRS range fell between 350 and 462.
• On September 21, 2023, Ontario issued 63 invitations under the French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream. Therefore, the CRS range stood at 348 to 434.
• On September 19, 2023, Ontario issued 537 invitations under the Master’s Graduate stream. Consequently, candidates with scores of 41 or higher qualified.
• On September 7, 2023, Ontario issued 300 invitations under the French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream. As a result, the CRS range ranged from 308 to 434.

Quebec Arrima Draws – September 2023

Similarly, Quebec issued 2,451 invitations through two Arrima draws in September. In both rounds, the province prioritized strong French-language proficiency.

The Arrima draw details include:

• On September 21, 2023, Quebec issued 1,018 invitations with a cut-off score of 579. Consequently, the draw targeted 27 occupations.
• On September 7, 2023, Quebec issued 1,433 invitations with a cut-off score of 586. As a result, this round functioned as a general draw.

Altogether, Quebec has issued 14,791 invitations across 14 Arrima rounds in 2023.

Manitoba PNP Draws – September 2023

At the same time, Manitoba conducted four PNP draws in September. As a result, the province issued 2,292 invitations.

Specifically:

• On September 29, Manitoba issued 42 invitations under a special measure for Ukrainians.
• On September 28, Manitoba issued 1,072 invitations for Skilled Workers Overseas.
• On September 21, Manitoba issued 620 invitations across all streams.
• On September 7, Manitoba issued 558 invitations across all streams.

British Columbia PNP Draws – September 2023

Meanwhile, British Columbia issued more than 834 invitations in September. Notably, the province relied on a mix of general and targeted draws.

For example:

• On September 26, BC issued 204 invitations targeting Tech, ECE, and Healthcare.
• On September 19, BC issued 225 invitations through mixed draws.
• On September 12, BC issued 183 targeted invitations.
• On September 6, BC issued 222 invitations across general and targeted categories.

Alberta Express Entry Draws – September 2023

In contrast, Alberta conducted four Express Entry draws with lower volumes. Nevertheless, the province still issued 476 invitations.

Specifically:

• On September 26, Alberta issued 18 healthcare invitations with a CRS cut-off of 311.
• On September 14, Alberta issued 142 invitations based on family ties and in-demand occupations.
• On September 12, Alberta issued 16 healthcare invitations with a CRS cut-off of 327.
• Also on September 12, Alberta issued 300 invitations for tourism and hospitality occupations.

Overall, Alberta has issued 3,487 invitations through 37 Express Entry draws in 2023.

Prince Edward Island PNP Draw – September 2023

Finally, Prince Edward Island conducted a single draw in September. Through this round, PEI issued invitations under the Critical Worker stream.

Additionally, PEI issued four Business Work Permit Entrepreneur invitations to candidates with scores of 80 or higher. As a result, PEI has issued 2,018 invitations so far in 2023.

Final Overview

Overall, September 2023 demonstrated a clear shift toward targeted immigration selection. Consequently, candidates aligned with labour shortages gained a competitive advantage.

In total, IRCC has issued 86,048 Express Entry invitations through 31 draws in 2023. Therefore, careful planning and expert guidance remain essential.

For professional support, SPS Canada Immigration helps candidates navigate evolving immigration pathways with confidence.