Latest Canadian Immigration Updates: Express Entry Draw, PGWP Rule Changes & PNP Invitations

Introduction

Canada continues to welcome thousands of immigrants through its Express Entry, Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams. If you are planning to move to Canada, stay updated on these latest developments to optimize your immigration strategy.

In this blog, we will discuss:

✅ Express Entry Draw: IRCC issued 4,000 invitations under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), with CRS scores dropping.
✅ PGWP Rule Changes: The new work permit duration rules impact international students completing multiple programs.
✅ PNP Invitations: British Columbia, Manitoba, and Alberta are actively inviting candidates for provincial nominations.

Let’s explore how these changes can impact your Canadian immigration journey.

---

1. Express Entry Draw: More ITAs Issued, Lower CRS Scores!

Latest Express Entry Draw Results

On February 5, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) category.

???? Key Highlights:
✅ CRS Cut-off: 521
✅ Profile Creation Deadline: November 14, 2024
✅ ITAs Issued: 4,000

Additionally, on February 4, 2025, IRCC conducted a PNP draw inviting 455 candidates with a much higher CRS cut-off of 802.

Express Entry Trends

• January 8, 2025: 1,350 ITAs under CEC, CRS score 542
• January 23, 2025: 4,000 ITAs under CEC, CRS score 527
• February 5, 2025: 4,000 ITAs under CEC, CRS score 521

???? Takeaway: CRS scores for CEC candidates are decreasing, meaning more applicants with Canadian work experience are receiving invitations.

How This Affects Express Entry Applicants

✅ If you are already in Canada under a valid work permit, this is the best time to optimize your Express Entry profile.
✅ If your CRS score is low, consider applying for a PNP to boost your score by 600 points.
✅ If you haven’t entered the Express Entry pool yet, now is the perfect time to create your profile!

Real-Life Example

Amit from India has been working in Canada as a software developer for 2 years. He entered the Express Entry pool in December 2024 with a CRS score of 520. Initially, he was worried that his score wasn’t high enough, but thanks to the lower CRS cut-off of 521, he received an ITA in the February 5 draw. Now, he is preparing to submit his PR application!

---

2. PGWP Rule Changes: How They Affect International Students

???? IRCC has issued new guidelines for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP). These changes impact students who complete multiple programs in Canada.

What Has Changed?

✅ Students completing two PGWP-eligible programs can now get a longer work permit based on the combined duration of both programs.
✅ Both programs must be at least 8 months long and completed within two years of each other.
✅ If you complete one PGWP-eligible program and one non-eligible program, your PGWP will be based only on the eligible program.
✅ If you complete a non-eligible program first and a PGWP-eligible program second, you must apply for your PGWP within 180 days of completing the eligible program.

Who Benefits from These Changes?

✅ Students planning to study two short programs can now stack them together to get a longer PGWP.
✅ Students who need more time to gain Canadian work experience before applying for PR will benefit.
✅ If you’re applying for PR under the CEC category, a longer PGWP gives you more time to meet work experience requirements.

Real-Life Example

Sara from Nigeria completed a one-year Business Administration diploma in Canada. She wanted to apply for PR through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) but was worried about her short PGWP duration. So, she enrolled in another eight-month Digital Marketing course. Now, she can combine both programs and qualify for a longer PGWP, giving her more time to work and apply for PR.

???? Pro Tip: If you plan to apply for PR, choose study programs wisely to maximize your PGWP duration and gain enough work experience.

---

3. PNP Updates: More Provincial Invitations!

Three provinces have actively issued invitations to candidates through their PNP streams. If your CRS score is low, applying for a provincial nomination can give you an extra 600 points—almost guaranteeing PR approval!

British Columbia PNP

???? January 28, 2025:
✅ Issued entrepreneur immigration invitations under the Base and Regional streams.
✅ Minimum required score: 123.

Who Qualifies?
✔️ Entrepreneurs planning to start a business in BC.
✔️ Candidates referred by a participating BC community.

Manitoba PNP

???? February 6, 2025:
✅ Issued 76 invitations under the International Education Stream and Skilled Worker Overseas Stream.
✅ 17 invitations were issued under the Skilled Worker Overseas Stream with a minimum score of 612.

Who Qualifies?
✔️ International students with at least 4 years of work experience.
✔️ Skilled workers applying from overseas.

Alberta PNP

???? Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP):
✅ Over 28,000 applications are currently in the Alberta Opportunity Stream.
✅ Tech Pathway has 2,400 profiles in the selection pool.

Who Qualifies?
✔️ Candidates with job offers in Alberta.
✔️ Applicants in high-demand fields like healthcare, tech, and hospitality.

Real-Life Example

Daniel from Brazil had a CRS score of 470, which was too low for Express Entry. However, he applied for Alberta’s PNP under the Tech Pathway and received a nomination, boosting his CRS to 1070. In the next Express Entry draw, he got an ITA and is now preparing his PR application!

???? Takeaway: PNPs are an excellent option for candidates with lower CRS scores or those working in high-demand industries.

---

Final Thoughts: What Should You Do Now?

???? Here’s how to take advantage of these immigration updates:

✅ If you are a CEC candidate: Update your Express Entry profile and track CRS trends.
✅ If you are an international student: Choose study programs strategically to maximize your PGWP.
✅ If your CRS score is low: Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to boost your score by 600 points.

???? Staying informed is the key to success in Canadian immigration!

???? Are you eligible for Express Entry, PGWP, or PNP? Comment below with your questions, and we’ll help you navigate your journey to Canada!

???? For personalized immigration assistance, book a consultation today!