In the 199th Express Entry draw, Canada has invited 512 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates to apply for permanent residence.
All candidates invited in today’s draw had been nominated by a province through an Express Entry aligned nominee program. This draw follows a big month for provincial nominee programs. This July saw provinces inviting candidates to apply for nomination in bigger draws and with lower points requirements than usual.
The CRS cut-off for this draw was 760. The cut-off for PNP specific draws is always higher due to the 600 additional points that are given to these candidates. Accordingly, prior to receiving a nomination, the lowest ranking candidate had an Express Entry score of just 160.
Draw Summary
Draw Number: 199
Date of Draw: August 4th, 2021
Number of Invitations Issued: 512
Minimum CRS: 760
Program Specified: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Tie-breaking rule: March 5th, 2021
How can I be nominated by a PNP?
Each province has their own criteria for nominee programs; many require some type of connection to the province to be eligible to apply. For example, work experience, a job offer, a family member, or education in the province.
Some programs require candidates meet the minimum requirements to apply to the province for nomination. Other programs operate with an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Provincial Expression of Interest systems operate similar to Express Entry; like Express Entry, candidates submit a profile that the province scores with their unique points system. Provinces use a candidate’s scores to decide who receives an invitation in their draws; those who meet the minimum points cut-off (often in addition to other criteria) will receive an invitation to apply for nomination.
Many PNPs also hold draws and invite candidates directly from the Express Entry pool to apply for nomination. These draw requirements often change from draw to draw in response labour market needs. Therefore, just by having an Express Entry profile, there is always a chance of receiving an invitation to apply for nomination.
Candidates that successfully receive a provincial nomination that is aligned with Express Entry will receive an additional 600 points toward their CRS score. As a result, a provincial nomination essentially guarantees an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
Throughout the pandemic, provinces have continued to use their nominee programs to meet labour market demand. These provincial nominee programs can also give candidates without any ties to Canada the chance to receive a provincial nomination and Canadian permanent residency.