A total of 1,002 Express Entry candidates were invited to apply (ITA) for permanent residency last July 24.
All candidates invited were able to successfully receive provincial nominations. Because the candidates were invited through Express Entry-linked Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams, the cut-off score for this draw was set relatively high. For this draw, a minimum of 742 points was necessary to receive an (ITA).
This is because provincial nominee candidates automatically receive 600 points when they successfully obtain a nomination through the PNP. Prior to their nomination, the lowest-scoring candidates in this draw only had Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores of 142 points.
With 1,002 candidates invited, this is the biggest PNP-focused draw in Express Entry history. The previous PNP-targeted draw invited a total of 940 candidates with a minimum CRS requirement of 711 points. This latest draw not only increased the number of candidates, but also the CRS score requirement.
For this draw, a cut-off time was established. Candidates could only receive an invitation to apply to permanent residency if they were able to register their Express Entry profile before February 18, 2021 at 04:04:56 UTC. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) still establishes a cut-off regardless of an actual tie or not.
Canada continues to prioritize domestic candidates, as they have already settled in Canada. This makes it much easier to facilitate the immigration process, not just for the IRCC, but for the incoming permanent residents themselves. Intent on reaching their immigration goal of welcoming 108,100 new immigrants through the Express Entry program, Canada continues to focus on inviting PNP and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates to apply for permanent residency.
About the Express Entry System
The federal Express Entry system was established in 1995 in order to manage Canada’s growing pool of economic immigration candidates. Interested candidates may apply to one of three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP); the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP); and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Applicants who have registered a profile with the federal system are awarded a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. A points system that ranks candidates based on a number of human capital factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, and more, is the basis for the CRS score.
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