IRCC conducted April’s first Express Entry draw and 3500 invitations were issued in this all-program draw.
A cut-off score of 486 was used for the CRS. In an all-program draw, candidates from the CEC, the FSWP and the FSTP are considered. 7,000 applicants have been invited to participate in three consecutive Express Entry contests. CRS cut-off score of 481, the lowest score since December 2020, was also seen in the latest draw on March 29.
The number of ITAs issued in 2023 is already higher than the number issued in 2022 combined. As of November last year, the IRCC had developed its most comprehensive immigration-level plan. According to the strategy, long-term resident immigration goals will be set for all sectors of business over the next three years. As a result of Express Entry, 82,880 individuals will receive permanent residency status this year. y 2025, 114,000 will receive permanent residency status.
Express Entry has had a record-breaking month
Express Entry has had a record-breaking month. 21667 ITAs were distributed over four draws by IRCC. In January 2015, Express Entry launched and has since reached its second-highest monthly total. It was a record-breaking month for the IRCC in February 2021 because 27,332 candidates were invited in a single draw to apply for the Canadian Experience Class.
Having followed three of the second-largest Express Entry draws of all time, today’s draw is the fourth most popular. On March 15, 7,00 applicants were invited with 490 CRS scores.
Moreover, it is usually held on Wednesdays every two weeks for a new Express Entry draw. After the first draw, IRCC invited approximately 7,000 applicants who had only 484 CRS points to the second draw.
Additional 7,000 applicants (with a CRS score of 481) were drawn on March 29. Over the course of three weeks, 21,000 candidates were invited to apply. 667 of the remaining candidates were drawn on March 1 based on the Provincial Nomination Program.
April’s first Express Entry draw – April 6 marks the start of the PGWP extension
All-program draws, which are expected to attract many CEC candidates, could make a difference to candidates who are about to lose their PGWP – (Post-Graduation Work Permits).
Minister of Immigration Sean Fraser recently announced that PGWP holders will be able to renew their open work permits for an additional 18 months beginning April 6.
It is possible for foreign students to apply for a PGWP, which is a single open work permit. After finishing their studies at a post-secondary institution in Canada. When a PGWP expires prior to receiving an ITA, a candidate is not eligible for a permanent residency application. Alternative work permits or obtaining visitor records can be time-consuming and expensive.
In the period from November 2022 to February 2023, few CEC applicants were selected for ITAs owing to a six-week unforeseen draw hiatus followed by four draws for different programs that were not specifically targeting CECs.
Express Entry – An overview
Various applications for permanent residence can be submitted online through Express Entry, a system developed by the Canadian government. The FSTP is responsible for handling the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), as is the CEC. The candidate may also be qualified to apply to another Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and to Express Entry. The CRS assigns rankings to candidates. Points are assigned based on a variety of characteristics, including human capital, language proficiency, work experience, and education.
The top-scoring individuals may submit applications for permanent residency if they are given an ITA. For those who wish to reside and work in Canada, Express Entry is an excellent opportunity since it streamlines the process of applying for permanent residence. In addition, taking advantage of the CRS and various programs available to them will increase one’s chances of gaining permanent residency in Canada.
Candidate applications are completed and submitted within two months. Immigration officers determine whether to approve an application after reviewing it.
