Last June 25, the Express Entry system saw over 3,508 candidates receive invitations to apply (ITAs) for Canadian permanent residency in another targeted draw. 

This recent draw specifically invited candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) with Comprehensive Ranking System scores as low as 431, following a PNP draw the day before. This follows the recent trend of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada specifically targeting CEC and PNP candidates since borders were closed three months ago, as candidates in these classes are more likely to have already settled in Canada. 

Cut-off scores for CEC have also decreased in the last few draws. This has been the lowest score thus far since a May 2017 draw invited CEC candidates with scores of 413. At 431, it is six points lower than the previous draw’s CEC cut-off score of 437, and the lowest of this year thus far. Given the continuing downtrend, it is likely CEC scores may continue to drop in the coming months. 

Targeted draws can invite clients with lower scores as they work with a smaller pool of candidates, as opposed to Express Entry-wide draws. 

Although Canada has not targeted the Federal Skilled Workers or Federal Skilled Trades classes in these recent draws, IRCC still encourages interested candidates to submit their profiles for Express Entry, as they have the chance to earn a provincial nomination with their applications visible to provinces and territories in the Express Entry pool. Candidates with a provincial nomination automatically 600 points towards their total CRS score, and are more likely to receive invitations to apply. 

As of this recent draw, Canada has issued over 49,900 ITAs for the year 2020.