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On July 21, 2021, Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its 197th Express Entry (EE) draw, also its 14th Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw of 2021. A total of 462 PNP candidates received Invitations to Apply (ITAs). Moreover, the draw featured a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 734, which is 26 points lower than the last PNP draw.
The specifics of the 197th EE PNP draw are as the follows:
Express Entry System #197 Draw Class PNP Provincial Nominee Program Date and Time of Draw July 21, 2021 at 13:01:45 UTC Minimum CRS Score 734 (Past data and trends) Number of Invitations Issued 462 Tie-breaking Rule April 11, 2021 at 10:56:32 UTC
The previous PNP draw had many predicting that the program’s minimum CRS score will no longer decline. Nevertheless, the 197th draw delivers an unpredicted decline in CRS score, which may be affected by IRCC’s ambition to welcome 400,000 new immigrants this year. The program, overall, has not exhibited an uncomplicated upward/downward trend. One possible reason could be that IRCC wishes to maintain the integral quality of its applicant pool.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, IRCC has dedicated its attention on PNP and CEC draws, in regards that the candidates already reside in Canada. Despite 2020 being impeded by COVID-19, IRCC set a new record issuing 107,350 ITAs, However, this record is likely to be superseded in this year. Given IRCC’s change in focus, the Express Entry witnessed a record-breaking number of invitations in the first half of 2021: 94,304 ITAs issues, including 7,151 PNP ITAs and 87,153 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) ITAs.
Unlike CEC, PNP aims to recruit high-end personnel (e.g. software developers and other technology specialists) to enhance Canada’s economy. The fact that Canada rapidly unfurls its potential in the technology industry indirectly indicates the country’s need for relevant experts. Simultaneously, each province and territory offers its own provincial nominee program according to area-specific demands. Unlike other skilled immigration streams, PNP candidates are nearly 100% guaranteed to receive ITAs based on their competence.