Canada Reduces Scores Threshold for Skilled Nigerian Workers,Others

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

Amid current waves of mass relocation of Nigerians abroad, known in social circles as "Jappa" syndrome, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued approximately 920 invitations for permanent residency through the Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP) via the Express Entry System. 

OPEN TELEVISION Naija gathered that this latest draw required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 739, reflecting Canada's ongoing efforts to attract skilled workers from around the world to support its diverse and vibrant economy. 

This draw follows one on June 19, 2024, where 1,499 invitations were issued under the PNP with a minimum CRS score of 663. 

This differing score requirements demonstrate the flexible nature of the Express Entry system, which aims to provide opportunities for candidates across a range of CRS scores. 

The tie-breaking rule in the latest draw ensures fairness by prioritizing earlier-submitted profiles when multiple of the candidates have the same lowest CRS score.

As of July 2, 2024, the CRS score distribution in the Express Entry pool indicates a competitive landscape, with the highest concentration of candidates in the 451-500 range. 

OPEN TELEVISION Naija further gathered that specifically, there are 940 candidates with scores between 601-1200, 16,521 candidates between 501-600, and 64,761 candidates between 451-500, with fewer candidates in the lower score ranges. 

The Provincial Nominee Program continues to be a crucial route for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Canada. 

This program allows provinces and territories to nominate candidates based on their skills, education, and work experience, ensuring they fulfill the economic needs of the specific province or territory.

Each province and territory manages its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), targeting various groups such as students, businesspeople, skilled workers, and semi-skilled workers. 

These tailored programs address specific labor market needs, ensuring a steady stream of talent to support local economies. 

The Express Entry system, operated by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is the main method for handling permanent residency applications from skilled immigrants. It includes several immigration programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Provincial Nominee Program. 

OPEN TELEVISION Naija reports that candidates in the Express Entry pool are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns points based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language ability. The CRS score determines eligibility for receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. 

Regular draws, typically held every two weeks, have specific cut-off scores that candidates must meet or exceed to receive an ITA.