Canada recently held three all-stream Express Entry draws in a row, issuing 7,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score was 481, making it the lowest CRS score requirement for an all-program draw since December 23, 2020. With the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) inviting 21,000 candidates over the past two weeks, the Express Entry system is opening new doors for economic class immigration candidates.

Understanding the Express Entry System

Express Entry is the primary way the Canadian government manages economic-class immigration candidates. Candidates eligible for at least one of the three Express Entry programs – Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – can upload their profile on IRCC’s website. They then receive a CRS score based on various human capital criteria, such as age, education, language skills, and work experience. Generally, IRCC holds Express Entry draws every two weeks, issuing ITAs to the highest-scoring candidates.

The Unpredictable Draw Schedule

In recent months, IRCC has not adhered to a predictable draw schedule. For example, it held two draws in consecutive weeks on March 15 and March 23, which were tied for the largest all-program draws ever. A total of 7,000 Express Entry candidates were invited under each of these draws (14,000 candidates in total). An all-program draw is when IRCC considers issuing ITAs to candidates from all three Express Entry programs.

Applying for Permanent Residence

Once candidates receive an ITA, they have up to 60 days to submit a completed permanent residence application to IRCC. The processing time for these applications is typically six months. If a candidate’s application is approved, they can land in Canada as a permanent resident. Under the Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025, IRCC aims to welcome nearly 83,000 immigrants via Express Entry this year, with targets rising to 109,000 in 2024 and 114,000 in 2025. You can choose our Best Immigration Services in Edmonton to make your applications hassle-free.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – A Leading Economic Class Immigration Pathway

Since last year, Canada has made the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) its leading economic class immigration pathway. Most Canadian provinces and territories operate their own PNP, allowing them to nominate candidates to meet their economy’s needs. Canada’s PNP admissions target is nearly 106,000 immigrants in 2023, 110,000 in 2024, and nearly 118,000 in 2025.

Enhanced Provincial Nominations and Express Entry

A portion of the PNP operates through Express Entry. Eligible candidates can enter the Express Entry pool and then receive an invitation from a province or territory to apply to their PNP. This approach, known as enhanced provincial nominations, allows approved candidates to gain an additional 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA for permanent residence.

Choice Immigration – Your Trusted Partner in the Immigration Process

At Choice Immigration, we understand the complex and ever-changing landscape of Canadian immigration. Our Best Immigration Services in Edmonton are dedicated to helping you navigate the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Programs, and other pathways to permanent residence in Canada. Contact us today for Express Entry assessment and let us help you make Canada your new home.