Express Entry Draw #213 | PNP Candidates Invited in First Draw of 2022

Canada held a new round of invitations on January 5, 2022. In the first draw of the year, Immigration, Refugee, Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 392 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.

Draw Number: 213
Date of Draw: January 5, 2022
Number of Invitations Issued: 392
Minimum CRS: 808
Program Specified: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Tie-breaking rule:  March 04, 2021

This is the ninth consecutive PNP-only Express Entry draw. Canada continues to hold smaller draws as they tackle the application backlog leftover from the pandemic.

Candidates invited in today’s draw held a nominee certificate from a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Those who receive a nomination from a PNP that uses the Express Entry system will receive an additional 600 points toward their CRS score. These additional points essentially guarantee the candidate an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in one of the federal Express Entry draws.

Prior to receiving a nomination, the lowest-ranking candidate had a CRS score of just 208.

Should I enter the Express Entry pool now if I don't have a PNP nomination?

Just by having an Express Entry profile in the pool, candidates have the opportunity to be invited to apply for provincial nomination. Provinces continue to use the Express Entry pool throughout the pandemic to hand-select potential nominees.

In addition, with Canada dedicating significant resources toward eliminating the backlog, the next all-program Express Entry draw could happen at any time. Having a profile in the Express Entry pool will ensure you don’t miss an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in case an all-program draw is held.

How can I be nominated by a province?

Each province operates their own nominee programs, each with its own requirements; many require a connection to the province to apply (work experience, a job offer, a family member, or education in the province). Other programs may operate with an Expression of Interest (EOI) system.

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 to labour market needs. For this reason, just by having an Express Entry profile, there is always a chance of receiving an invitation to apply for a nomination.

Immigration targets in 2022

Canada aims to welcome a  411,000 newcomers in 2022. This is the highest level ever targeted in Canadian history. Included in this total, Canada plans to target 241,500 economic newcomers, including:

• 110,500 Federal Skilled Workers, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class candidates
• 81,500 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates

Interested in learning more about your options to immigrate to Canada? Complete our free online assessment today!