Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada conducted its New PNP Draw on December 2, 2024 as the 13th Express Entry draw in the year for Provincial Nominee Program applicants. This marks another update in the continued effort of the country to welcome people from various parts of the world towards the economy of the country. In this round, IRCC issued 676 Invitations to Apply to candidates in the PNP-targeted draw, giving them the opportunity for professional immigration into Canada.
Understanding the New PNP Draw in the Express Entry System
The New PNP Draw is one of the primary ways through which Canada selects skilled immigrants through the Express Entry system. It works through a points-based Comprehensive Ranking System, ranking candidates according to age, education, work experience, and language proficiency, among others.
PNP, or Provincial Nominee Program, is the way through which Canadian provinces and territories nominate candidates to meet specific labor market needs.
Every year, Canada issues thousands of ITAs through Express Entry to invite eligible candidates to apply for permanent residence. The PNP stream targets candidates with job skills in demand in specific provinces or territories, helping to address labor shortages and boost regional economies.
December 2, 2024 PNP Draw: Bottom Line
The December 2 draw, round #328, had a cut-off score of 705 points, which is a decline of 111 points from the previous PNP-targeted draw on November 18, 2024. This indicates that the number of applicants who received their ITA had a lesser CRS score, thus making the pool more accessible to qualified skilled workers with slightly less qualification to get an invitation.
The tie-break date of this round New PNP Draw was set to November 27, 2024, at 18:15:17 UTC. This rule helps the authorities to determine whether they should offer the ITA to the candidates who have managed to score equal CRS points based on the CRS score. They compare the dates that were used for breaking their ties in case of obtaining the same CRS score of a candidate.
How Will PNP Draw Impact Your Candidacy?
This New PNP draw is very significant for those people interested in immigrating to Canada, especially those in the Express Entry pool. A cut-off score of 705 points means that many candidates who may not have qualified in previous draws can now be eligible to receive an ITA.
This is very beneficial to those applicants who may have excellent qualifications but do not have sufficient CRS points on other criteria, such as work experience or language ability.
This is also an advantage for those who wish to reside in a specific province because the PNP would allow them to apply, catering specifically to the applicants' eligibility based on that particular province's labor market requirements. For instance, provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan often conduct New PNP Draws that target specific areas of interest like technology, health care, and trades. These targeted draws ensure that the provinces can get the skilled type of workers that align with regional priorities and makes it a very good opportunity for applicants who are an expert in those demanded fields.
Record Number of Invitations in 2024
By December 1, 2024, a total of 218,490 profiles had been registered within the Express Entry pool; these are many more applicants compared to the previous years. The country of Canada has invited 97,018 immigrants in 2024 solely through 50 Express Entry draws, including the New PNP Draw.
It indicates that the country will continue to attract the global talent needed to fill critical labor shortages in its key sectors.
The large number of invitations really shows that Canada is being proactive about meeting its immigration targets and supporting its diverse workforce. And it certainly is a good time for the world's skilled workers, since there are more opportunities waiting for them to apply for permanent residence.
Why is the PNP Important to Canada's Immigration Plan?
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) of Canada is essential in meeting regional labor market needs. The PNP helps provinces and territories select immigrants with the skills and experience that are needed to contribute to their local economies.
The New PNP Draw would target the placement of professionals in areas where they can do most good, helping to fill the gaps in labor shortages in every corner of the country.
For instance, in provinces such as Saskatchewan, the demand for skilled trade is extremely high. In Ontario, though, a candidate in technology or finance tends to be preferred. So with the New PNP Draw, one gets the best way of migrating to Canada whereby an applicant's skills line up with what the province wants.
This type of targeted entry doesn't just help an individual but helps to fill up some important gaps for provinces, making PNP a critical component of a successful immigration process to Canada.
By utilizing the PNP, Canada is also able to equilibrate benefits coming from immigration. While big cities like Toronto and Vancouver are attracting the majority of immigration, smaller provinces benefit from this program by attracting skilled workers to support and enhance specific local industries and services.
Which PNP are aligned with Express Entry?
There are also many Provincial Nominee Programs, which are aligned with the Express Entry system of Canada. The candidates could have a quick route for permanent residency in Canada through the Provincial Nominee Programs of some of the provinces. For example, there are Ontario PNP, British Columbia PNP, Saskatchewan PNP, Alberta PNP, etc.
Additional points are also gained by candidates nominated by the aligned PNPs for their CRS scores, thereby increasing their possibilities for receiving an ITA during the next New PNP Draw.
Every province has their own set of requirements and selection process targeting skills with high demand occupations within specific regions. This aligning helps provinces address particular labour market needs while assisting overall immigration goals in Canada.
Can I apply for both PNP and Express Entry?
Yes, you can apply for both the Provincial Nominee Program and Express Entry at the same time. Many applicants use this dual strategy to increase their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada. By being in the Express Entry pool, you can receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence based on your Comprehensive Ranking System score.
In the meantime, if you are nominated through a new PNP draw, then you will get additional points up to 600 CRS, which significantly increases your chances for getting an ITA by Express Entry. This simultaneous application process maximizes potential immigrants' opportunities for being immigrated to Canada while satisfying specific labor market demands of a province.
So what does this mean to prospective immigrants?
In the case that you are already a seasoned professional looking for new challenges, then this is one good opportunity to make some applications start or get even better in the process by now considering this New PNP draw. Since cut-off scores become less competitive due to this new draw, opportunities to obtain ITAs grow, especially if skills of those applicants will be needed by provinces across Canada.
Then, it is very important to be accurate to ensure that your Express Entry profile is up to date and based on your latest work experiences, acquired educational qualifications, or new language proficiency. Lastly, consider consulting an experienced expert and that can help you make this process easier while maximizing the points.
We assist qualified individuals with their Canadian Immigration procedures in the easiest way possible. Our team of experts will walk you through the whole process of Express Entry and ensure that your application stands out for the best chance of success.
If you want to know more details about “Ottawa Conducted a New PNP Draw Under Express Entry: Key Updates and Insights“ you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness Associates.
Please Book an Appointment with a Member of Our Assessment Team!
Book an Appointment Now with Pratik!
Book an Appointment Now with Gurleen!
Gunness Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.
For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts
Get a free Assessment
Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here
All rights reserved ©2024 Gunness Associates