IRCC invited 2,850 candidates under the Express Entry Draw #288
On March 12, 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued invitations to candidates in the first Express Entry draw of the month. In this round, 2,850 invitations to apply (ITAs) were sent out in the General Express Entry draw #288. Candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 525, which was 9 points lower than the previous general draw. The tie-breaking rule for this draw was set for March 12, 2024, at 15:56:42 UTC. As of March 11, 2024, 211,487 profiles were registered in the Express Entry pool. Canada has issued 22,240 ITAs through 10 Express Entry draws throughout the year.
OINP Issued 2,650 PR invitations in four new draws
On March 12, 2024, the Government of Ontario issued invitations to candidates through four draws under the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP). Three separate invitation rounds were conducted under the Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream, resulting in 2,639 invitations for permanent residency. In the first draw, 1,306 invitations were extended to eligible candidates. Invitations were sent to profiles with a score of 72 or higher in the OINP Expression of Interest (EOI) system. A focused EOI draw for 63 skilled trade occupations under the International Student Stream resulted in 649 invitations being sent to profiles scoring 66 and higher. Another targeted EOI draw for 41 healthcare and 15 tech occupations saw 684 invitations issued to profiles with a score of 72 and higher. Additionally, the province conducted a targeted draw for the federal Economic Mobility Pathways Project under the OINP’s Foreign Worker stream, inviting 11 candidates. To date, Ontario has issued invitations to a total of 21,997 candidates across all streams in 2024.
IRCC updates instructions on study permit applications for foreign nationals
On March 12, 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released updated program delivery instructions specifically addressing study permits. The program delivery update outlines the application process for foreign nationals who have received study permit approval overseas but did not obtain the permit upon entry into Canada. The instructions emphasize that foreign nationals should contact the IRCC Client Support Centre for guidance on acquiring their study permit within Canada. This includes individuals whose study permit applications were approved abroad yet did not receive the permit at a port of entry during their initial arrival, for example, due to a failure to present a letter of introduction. The update aims to provide clarity and assistance for those who obtain study permits within Canada.
BC issued new ITAs under the BCPNP
On March 12, the most recent British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) draw issued over 187 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency (PR) through targeted rounds. Specifically, 65 invites were sent under both the Express Entry and BC PNP Skills Immigration streams in a focused BC PNP draw for 35 tech occupations. Moreover, 54 invitations were issued to profiles showcasing experience as early childhood educators’ assistants or instructors (NOC 42202). In addition, 30 applicants with expertise in 25 construction-related occupations received invitations. Furthermore, the province invited 38 profiles featuring experience in 39 healthcare-related occupations. Additionally, up to five invitations were issued to candidates employed in veterinary care occupations. In total, this draw witnessed the issuance of up to 192 ITAs. So far, in 2024, British Columbia has already invited up to 2,198 candidates.
