On May 13, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), conducted another targeted Express Entry (EE) draw, issuing that 529 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates holding Provincial Nominations (PNP) with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) score for this draw was 718. This is another push from IRCC to target PNP candidates and remain committed to the Provinces to provide them with their annual allocations for immigration.

This is the 5^th EE PNP draw that IRCC has held since its last All-Program draw on March 4, 2020. IRCC’s decision to conduct targeted draws works alongside the restrictions imposed by the Government in response to COVID-19 and the exemptions for Temporary Foreign Workers (TPW). For those sitting in the EE pool, the option right now is to apply under a PNP, or, wait to receive a Notification of Interest (NOI). As for those who have received an ITA, IRCC maintains that it will not deny any permanent residency applications; 90-day extensions are being provided to eligible applicants.