IRCC Issues 648 ITAs in PNP-Only Draw

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 648 invitations to apply (ITAs) in the latest Express Entry draw, which was limited to candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 791.

This is the second PNP-only draw this month, following one on October 7 that invited 1,613 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 743. IRCC has consistently held multiple Express Entry draws every second week, often including at least one PNP-focused draw. Since May 30, IRCC has issued 12,815 ITAs in PNP-only draws, reflecting its ongoing commitment to transitioning temporary residents to permanent status.

This strategy aligns with the department’s goal of reducing the number of temporary residents while meeting annual permanent resident targets set in the Immigration Levels Plan. The next Plan, outlining targets for 2025-2027, is expected by November 1. The 2024 target was to welcome 110,770 permanent residents, though IRCC has not yet confirmed whether this target was achieved. Candidates receiving ITAs in late 2024 are more likely to have their applications processed in 2025 due to the six-month service standard for Express Entry applications.