Canada Invites PNP Candidates in the Latest Express Entry Draw on October 24th.

Oct 25, 2023 / 2 min readNaju Gadhavi

Canada Invites PNP Candidates in the Latest Express Entry Draw

In the latest Express Entry draw held on October 24, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 1,548 candidates to apply for permanent residence. Notably, this was a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)–only draw.

To qualify, candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 776, reflecting the added points that come with a provincial nomination. This draw followed the October 10, 2023 all-program draw, where IRCC issued 3,725 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) with a CRS cutoff of 500.

What Is Express Entry in Canada?

Express Entry is Canada’s main system for managing skilled immigration applications. It covers three federal programs:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program
  • Canadian Experience Class
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program

First, candidates create an online profile. Then, IRCC ranks them using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This system awards points for factors such as age, education, language ability, work experience, and occupation.

Next, IRCC invites the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence. CRS cutoffs vary by draw but typically range between 350 and 550, depending on the category and program type.

Overview of Express Entry Draws in 2023

Express Entry draws in 2023 have remained highly dynamic. Throughout the year, IRCC conducted several targeted draws for occupations in:

  • Healthcare
  • STEM
  • Trades
  • Transport
  • Agriculture and agri-food

In addition, IRCC held French-language proficiency draws and all-program draws, each with different CRS thresholds.

Importantly, PNP-only draws have seen a sharp rise in CRS cutoffs. Since May 2023, the minimum CRS score for these draws has increased by approximately 85 points.

Meanwhile, IRCC also introduced a skilled trades draw with a record-low cutoff of 388, expanding opportunities for many candidates. As a result, expectations are building for a potential Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw in the near future.

What Is an Occupation-Based Draw?

Earlier this year, IRCC introduced occupation-based Express Entry draws. Under this system, CRS score is no longer the only selection factor.

In fact, a law passed in June 2022 allows the immigration minister to invite candidates who:

  • Meet specific economic needs, or
  • Support the promotion of the French language,

even if their CRS score is lower.

As a result, in May, IRCC announced six new draw categories. These focus on candidates with strong French skills or work experience in:

  • Healthcare
  • STEM
  • Trades
  • Transport
  • Agriculture and agri-food

Since June, Canada has conducted 10 category-based draws, issuing more than 10,000 ITAs to candidates already in the Express Entry pool.

Why Choose SPS Canada Immigration?

With over 22 years of experience, SPS Canada Immigration remains a trusted partner in navigating Canada’s evolving immigration system. We help candidates understand new draw categories and identify ways to strengthen their profiles beyond CRS scores alone.

Moreover, our team stays up to date with policy changes and draw trends. As Express Entry continues to evolve, we remain committed to delivering clear guidance, strategic advice, and reliable support.

📍 Visit: www.spscanada.com
📞 Contact us for personalized assistance tailored to your immigration journey.

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