With special immigration measures in place, Canada continues to hold Express Entry draws despite being heavily affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

In a rare move last April 9, two Express Entry draws were held in one day, with the first draw inviting over 606 candidates through regular draws, and the second draw inviting 3,924 candidates through the Canadian Experience Class. 

Since the last Express Entry Draw on March 18, the minimum CRS score went down 22 points in the first draw, inviting candidates who held scores of at least 698.

In the second draw of the day, Canadian Experience Class candidates who held scores of at least 464 were issued invitations to apply for permanent residency. 

April 9’s draws were the 8th and 9th of the 2020, respectively, and brought the total number of issued Invitations to Apply (ITA) this year to 26,500. 

IRCC will continue to hold regularly scheduled Express Entry rounds of invitations despite the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Canada welcomed 341,000 newcomers in 2019.  It is targeting the admissions of 341,000 immigrants in 2020, an additional 351,000 in 2021, and another 361,000 in 2022.