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Canada – Great News For Express Entry Candidates

2020 started off tough for Express Entry hopefuls as Coronavirus

travel restrictions forced IRCC to restrict the pool of candidates

to only those already present in Canada, and thereby cutting off a

large number of highly qualified individuals. For a number of

months, only candidates in the Canadian Experience Class or those

with Provincial Nominations were eligible for the draw. The

consequences of this unprecedented move were far reaching, creating

a ripple effect in the Canadian economy which struggled with

shortages of qualified labour resulting from these

restrictions.

As restrictions began to relax, however, the outlook changed

drastically. In the final two months of 2020, IRCC has reopened the

pool to individuals qualifying through Foreign Skilled Worker and

Foreign Skilled Trades categories. Additionally, in an effort to

compensate for the labour shortages, an unprecedented number of

invitations was issued (5000 individuals were issued Invitations to

Apply for Permanent Residence in November). In the latest draw that

took place December 9, the cut off score dropped to 469, which

significantly increased the number of eligible immigrants.

As Canada has committed to bringing 400,000 new immigrants in

2021, the outlook is good for the future Express Entry hopefuls, as

most new permanent residents are expected to be invited through

this program.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general

guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought

about your specific circumstances.

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