This Week in Canadian Immigration: Express Entry Surprises, PNP Draws, and a Closer Look at the Start-up Visa Program
- Gagandeep Singh
- 17 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Welcome to your weekly roundup of all the latest news and updates in Canadian immigration. We’ve seen some interesting developments in the Express Entry system, important updates from the provinces, and some news about the Start-up Visa program that you’ll want to know about.
Express Entry: Two Draws, Two Different Stories
It was a busy week for Express Entry, with two draws held.
September 29: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Draw
Invitations issued: 291
CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate: 855
October 1: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Draw
Invitations issued: 1,000
CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate: 534
This week's Express Entry draws highlight the significant advantage of a provincial nomination. The high CRS score of 855 in the PNP draw is a direct result of the 600-point bonus that comes with a provincial nomination. This draw was very small, suggesting that IRCC is targeting a very specific group of candidates.
The CEC draw, on the other hand, had a much lower CRS score of 534, which is great news for candidates with Canadian work experience. This draw was also significantly larger than the PNP draw. The focus on program-specific draws continues, with no sign of a general draw in the near future. This targeted approach allows IRCC to select candidates who are already in Canada and have a proven ability to integrate into the Canadian labour market.
Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) Updates
The provinces have also been active this week. Here are some of the key updates:
British Columbia (BC): On October 2nd, the BC PNP held an Entrepreneur Immigration draw, issuing 11 invitations with a minimum score of 123.
Newfoundland and Labrador: On September 26th, the province invited 217 candidates through the Newfoundland and Labrador PNP.
PNP draws are a crucial pathway to permanent residence, especially for candidates who may not have a high enough CRS score to be invited through a general Express Entry draw. The provinces continue to hold regular draws, targeting candidates with the skills and experience needed in their local economies. If you have a connection to a particular province, or if your occupation is in demand in a specific region, the PNP could be an excellent option for you.
Business Immigration and Start-up Visa Program
There is some significant news this week regarding the Start-up Visa (SUV) program. The program is facing a substantial backlog, with processing times now approaching five years. The federal government has also reduced the number of applications it will accept, from 6,000 in 2024 to just 2,000 in 2025. This has led to a much more competitive environment for immigrant entrepreneurs.
On a more positive note, there is talk that Canada may be looking to attract skilled workers who have been affected by the recent changes to the H-1B visa program in the United States. This could present a new opportunity for tech workers and other professionals looking to make a move to Canada.
The challenges with the SUV program are a cause for concern. The long processing times and reduced intake will make it more difficult for genuine entrepreneurs to come to Canada. It is more important than ever to have a strong and innovative business plan if you are considering this program.
The potential to attract H-1B visa holders from the US is an exciting development. Canada has long been a popular destination for tech talent, and this could be a golden opportunity to attract some of the best and brightest from around the world.
What to Expect in the Coming Week
Looking ahead, we can expect to see the trend of targeted, category-based Express Entry draws continue. We may see draws for specific occupations in healthcare, STEM, or trades in the coming weeks. At the provincial level, we can expect to see more PNP draws as provinces look to fill their labour market needs.
The era of large, general Express Entry draws seems to be over for now. The focus is clearly on selecting candidates who have the specific skills and experience that Canada needs. This makes it more important than ever to have an up-to-date and accurate Express Entry profile. It’s also a good idea to research the PNP options that may be available to you.
Interesting Immigration Tip of the Week
Don't Underestimate the Tie-Breaking Rule!
In every Express Entry draw, IRCC uses a tie-breaking rule to rank candidates who have the same CRS score. This rule prioritizes candidates who submitted their profile earlier. The lesson here is simple: don’t delay in creating and submitting your Express Entry profile. Every second counts!
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