Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has lowered the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for skilled workers applying for permanent residency.
On July 2, 2024, the IRCC issued 920 invitations through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) with a minimum CRS score of 739.
This new score represents a decrease from the previous CRS score of 663 set in the last draw on June 19, 2024, where 1,499 invitations were issued. This change reflects Canada’s efforts to attract skilled workers and maintain a diverse economy.
The lower CRS score in the latest draw “highlights the dynamic nature of the Express Entry system. The Express Entry system aims to balance opportunities for candidates across different CRS score ranges and ensure fairness in the selection process” said an IRCC spokesperson.
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In this recent draw, the tie-breaking rule was applied to ensure fairness. This rule prioritizes profiles submitted earlier if multiple candidates have the same CRS score. As of July 2, 2024, the distribution of CRS scores in the Express Entry pool showed a competitive environment, with the highest number of candidates in the 451-500 score range.
The CRS score distribution is as follows:
- 601-1200: 940 candidates
- 501-600: 16,521 candidates
- 451-500: 64,761 candidates
The Provincial Nominee Program continues to be a crucial pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Canada. This program allows provinces and territories to select candidates based on their skills, education, and work experience to meet local economic needs.
“The Provincial Nominee Program enables provinces and territories to address specific labor market demands by nominating individuals who can contribute to their economic growth,” explained the IRCC spokesperson.
The Express Entry system is the main method for managing permanent residency applications from skilled immigrants. It includes several immigration programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Provincial Nominee Program.
Candidates are ranked using the CRS, which awards points based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language ability. Those with high CRS scores receive Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency during regular bi-weekly draws.