Canada – 2021 starts strong for Express Entry Candidates
Due to COVID-19 travel measures restricting the numbers of candidates that could qualify for Permanent Residency through Express Entry to those currently in Canada, the Canadian labour market has suffered shortages of skilled candidates, putting a pressure on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to increase invitations from available sources. In response, IRCC has issued 10,000 invitations so far in 2021.
In the most recent draw held on January 21, a total of 4,626 invitations were sent to candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This category is open to applicants who have at least one year of skilled, professional, or technical work experience in Canada within 36 months of the application date and who also meet the minimum language requirements. Due to the restrictions favoring this category, the score of 454 was enough to ensure an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
One day prior to this draw, 374 candidates were invited from the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). PNP programs can provide helpful options and support in their Express Entry candidacy to applicants who otherwise lack the necessary cut off points to qualify for an invitation.
Join us on February 24 for a free webinar on Pathways to Permanent Residency in Canada, which will provide useful information about these and other programs. Register here.