Express Entry Draw 218: Canada continues with PNP-only Express Entry Draws

By Vijay Lala

Published

Updated

On March 16, 2022, IRCC invited 952 candidates under Provincial Nominee Program through Express Entry Draw 218. The CRS cut-off for Latest Express Entry Draw #218 was 754 points. 

As per our previous blog post, we answered the question about Will There Be Any CEC Draw In 2022?. IRCC has not conducted any Express Entry draw for CEC and FSW candidates in 2022. Please make sure you go through the details. 

IRCC has temporarily paused issuing invitations to Canadian Experience Class and FSW/FST candidates for the first half of 2022.

What was the latest CRS score?

Latest CRS score was 754 points in Express Entry Draw 218 conducted on March 16, 2022.

Year on Year comparison of Express Entry Draws:

 Invitations issued202020212022
Canadian Experience Class34215996530
Federal Skilled Trades25000
No program specified6810000
Provincial Nominee Program4785147785551
Grand Total1073501144315551
Number of Express Entry Invitations 2020-2022

Candidates in Express Entry Pool

As per the data released by IRCC, 948 candidates are waiting in the pool with CRS points between 601 – 1200. In addition, there are further 5,840 applicants with CRS points 501 – 600 and a whopping 48,027 immigration applicants in the range of 451 – 500 points.

No CEC and FSW Draw

IRCC internal memo shows that Canada will not conduct any economic draw targeting CEC/FSW/FST applicants till first half of 2022. Based on backlog for processing applications, Canada will be able to meet the 2022 immigration targets without any issue.

Problems faced by expiring PGWP due to lack of CEC draws

A certain section of applicants whose PGWP (Post Graduation Work Permit) is expiring are currently facing an uncertain future, and Canada has paused CEC invitations. 

In addition to this, applicants currently staying in Canada on temporary visas were hoping for a TR to PR pathway in 2022, but it seems unlikely that IRCC will bring back this immigration pathway.

What is next expected Express Entry draw?

The next Express Entry Draw is expected to be conducted March 30, 2022.

What Should I do if I want to immigrate to Canada?

First, please go and check your CRS score using CRS Calculator. Then verify whether you meet the eligibility of 67 selection factor points using our Selection Factor Points Calculator. If eligible, you may create an Express Entry profile. 

But as you know, if you are not currently living and working in Canada, you will not be invited under the Federal Skilled Worker draw for the better period of 2022. So what you can do is explore your options to qualify for Canadian Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). Canada regularly invites PNP candidates from the Express Entry pool. So the easiest way to immigrate at this point will be to qualify under the PNP program.

Check out our various tools and calculators for determining your immigration eligibility:

CRS Calculator

CLB Calculator

Selection Factor Points Calculator

Manitoba PNP Points Calculator

SINP Points Calculator

NOC Code – Find your NOC Code

Vijay Lala is the founder and editor-in-chief of Immiboards.com. Dual master's degrees in Political Science and Economics, along with a decade of Canadian immigration research experience, have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of immigration law, policy research, and settlement issues. Twitter


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