Japa: Canada lowers scores for skilled Nigerian workers, others

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued about 920 invitations to candidates for permanent residency under the Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP) via the Express Entry System.

This latest draw required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 739, underscoring Canada’s commitment to attracting skilled workers from around the globe to support its diverse and vibrant economy.

The move is part of the country’s ongoing efforts to attract skilled workers globally.

The new draw follows another on June 19, 2024, in which 1,499 invitations were issued under the PNP, with a lower minimum CRS score of 663.

The variation in score requirements highlights the dynamic nature of the Express Entry system, which balances opportunities for candidates across different CRS score ranges.

The tie-breaking rule in the latest draw ensures fairness by prioritizing earlier-submitted profiles when multiple candidates have the same lowest CRS score.

As of July 2, 2024, the CRS score distribution in the Express Entry pool reveals a competitive environment.

The highest concentration of candidates falls within the 451-500 range.

Specifically, the distribution includes 940 candidates with scores between 601-1200, 16,521 candidates between 501-600, and 64,761 candidates between 451-500, with decreasing numbers in lower score ranges.

The Provincial Nominee Program remains a critical pathway for skilled workers aiming for permanent residency in Canada.

It allows provinces and territories to nominate candidates based on their skills, education, and work experience, ensuring they meet the economic needs of the specific province or territory.

Each province and territory administers its PNP, targeting various groups such as students, businesspeople, skilled workers, and semi-skilled workers. These targeted programs address specific labor market needs, ensuring a steady influx of talent to bolster local economies.

The Express Entry system, operated by IRCC, is the primary method for managing applications for permanent residency from skilled immigrants. It encompasses multiple immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Provincial Nominee Program.

Candidates in the Express Entry pool are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns points based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language ability.

The CRS score determines eligibility for receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.