On May 31, Canada held a new draw from the Express Entry pool and invited 5, 956 candidates to apply for permanent residence. The draw was restricted to Canadian Experience Class candidates with a score of at least 380 – the second lowest score in 2021.
Express Entry Draws
On average, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invites candidates from the Express Entry pool to apply for permanent residency every two weeks. Candidates in the pool are ranked using a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS takes into account your skills, education, language ability and work experience, among other factors.
Prioritizing candidates in Canada
Since January 2021, the draws have only extended invitations to candidates that fall within the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The CEC is designed for individuals who have at least 1 year of Canadian work experience within a NOC 0, A, or B group.
There is also a separate draw that specifically targets candidates within the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The PNP allows provinces to select and nominate immigrants in accordance with the particular province’s economic needs.
By focusing on CEC and PNP candidates, IRCC has been able to prioritize candidates living in Canada. To the Canadian government, this makes the most sense at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in travel restrictions.
What is Express Entry?
The Express Entry program is a popular pathway for skilled workers to obtain Canadian permanent residency. Express Entry manages applications for three different economic immigration programs which include the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
Some provinces and territories also invite candidates from the Express Entry Pool through the PNP.
The IRCC invites the top candidates from the Express Entry pool by way of an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Once you apply and receive a decision, you could be one step closer to obtaining Canadian citizenship.
Canada welcomes more immigrants
Although the pandemic has largely restricted movement across borders, Canada is still determined to admit over 400,000 immigrants annually beginning this year. One-quarter of these immigrants are expected to enter through the Express Entry program.
Completing an online Express Entry profile is often the final step in a journey that requires careful planning. There is much on the line in completing this application which requires careful attention as errors in the Express Entry profile-stage may be fatal to your permanent residency application.
At Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Law Firm, our lawyers facilitate Express Entry by making sure you don’t commit mistakes that can lead to delays and rejections.
Book a consultation with us to maximize your chances and smooth your path towards permanent residence and citizens.
