Recent stricter measures implemented by the Canadian government regarding the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) have significantly increased anxieties among numerous Indian applicants.
Ottawa: Thousands of Indians aspiring for permanent residency (PR) in Canada have received a major setback. The Canadian government has significantly tightened the selection process for permanent residency under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This change, confirmed in an announcement by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on June 10, 2025, will directly impact Indian applicants.
125 Invitations and a High Score of 784 – PNP is No Longer Easy
In Canada's 350th Express Entry draw, only 125 Invitations to Apply (ITA) were issued. Even more striking was the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 784 required in this draw. The previous PNP draw on June 2nd offered 277 invitations with a CRS score of 726, indicating a rapid increase in the competitiveness of the selection process.
IRCC clarified that the tie-breaking rule applied to profiles submitted before September 12, 2024. This means the chances for applicants submitting profiles later have diminished further.
Changes in CRS Score and Removal of Job Offer Points
On March 25, 2025, IRCC made another significant decision, removing job offer points from the CRS score for most categories. Previously, candidates received an additional 50 to 200 points for a job offer; now, these points are only awarded in specifically designated government categories, such as NOC Major Group 00 (senior management roles).
This change will affect Indian applicants planning to obtain PR without securing a job in Canada. These applicants will no longer receive additional points for a job offer unless they fall under the specified categories.
Increased Concern for Indian Applicants
Every year, thousands of Indian students, professionals, and skilled workers apply for permanent residency in Canada. Programs like PNP and Express Entry have been popular pathways for Indians. However, the new policy may dash the hopes of those with lower scores, especially those who applied without Canadian experience or a job offer. Now, only applicants with the highest scores and best profiles are prioritized, making the competition even more intense.
What is Express Entry and the CRS System?
Canada's Express Entry system is a points-based selection system that evaluates applicants based on age, education, work experience, language proficiency (English/French), and other factors. Applicants receive a CRS score. Those with high scores receive an ITA, allowing them to apply for permanent residency.
Previously, job offers significantly boosted scores, but this benefit has been restricted, ensuring only the most qualified candidates are admitted.
Why is PNP Significant, and What Now?
Under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), different Canadian provinces select foreign workers and professionals based on their local needs. This offers a chance for applicants whose CRS scores are insufficient at the federal level. However, PNP selection has also become stricter, making it difficult for low-scoring applicants. Selection now requires not only a high score but also alignment with provincial needs.
Experts suggest that this government measure aims to make the immigration system more controlled, high-quality, and aligned with economic needs. Following the pandemic, a large number of immigrants arrived in Canada, leading the government to focus on admitting a limited number of qualified individuals in prioritized sectors.
