Canada’s largest all-program Express Entry draw was conducted on 15 March 2023 by IRCC. A total of 7000 invitations are released by IRCC with a minimum CRS score of 490.
A record 6000 ITAs were released in the last all-program Express Entry draw on February 11, 2021, compared to 5000 ITAs in the last draw on January 18. Applicants for this draw were drawn from all three Express Entry programs: FSWP, CEC, and FSTP.
As compared with the previous two months’ draws, this draw is not related to a specific program. A total of four program-specific invite rounds have been held since the last all-program draw, three for PNPs and one for FSWPs. The most recent ITA draw, held on March 1, was only open to PNPs. Only 697 individuals earned an ITA.
During the period of July 2022 to November 2022, every Express Entry draw welcomed over 1,000 applicants. Between 2013 and 2023, the minimum CRS score decreased, thereby increasing the number of applicants.
Data of Express Entry 2021 published by IRCC
According to a recent report by IRCC, the program’s data for 2021 was particularly impressive. As of December 2020, all program draws have been held due to the travel restrictions and border closures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. In the CEC- (Canadian Experience Class) and PNP – (Provincial Nominee Program), IRCC issued ITAs until September 2021, when the program was also halted.
It was estimated that 114,431 ITAs would be awarded in 2021. No Express Entry draws were held for the entire pool in 2021. All 42 Express Entry drawings for the PNP and the CEC did not offer ITAs to FSWP applicants or FSTP – (Federal Skilled Trades Program) applicants.
Furthermore, approximately 64% of ITAs were awarded to people between 20 and 29. CRS points are assigned to candidates in this age group according to the Comprehensive Ranking System. The number of points a candidate receives decreases as they turn 30.
ITAs were mostly granted to applicants who were already temporary residents of Canada because of interruptions. In spite of this, ITAs were still granted to foreign national candidates. The top five nationalities were as follows:
- Canada issued 102,806 ITAs.
- India issued 3,826 ITAs.
- Nigeria issued 1,432 ITAs.
- The PRC – (People’s Republic of China) released 687 ITAs.
- The USA released 806 ITAs.
Express Entry – An overview
To manage permanent residency applications, the Canadian government has created Express Entry, an online application management system. It oversees three programs: the FSWP – (Federal Skilled Worker Program), the FSTP, and CEC. As well as applicants may be eligible to submit an application to one or more Express Entry programs and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). Candidates are ranked by the CRS. Human capital, language ability, work experience, and education are all factors used to award points.
Permanent residency applications can be submitted by candidates with the highest scores if they receive an ITA. In addition to allowing individuals to apply for permanent residence in a streamlined and efficient manner, Express Entry is a great opportunity for those wishing to live and work in Canada. Also, it is possible to maximize one’s chances of gaining permanent residency in Canada by taking advantage of the CRS and the various programs available to them.
It takes two months for candidates to complete and submit their applications. Once the application has been reviewed, the immigration officer decides whether to approve it.
