What is happening today?
Canada has issued 654 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates in a new program-specific Express Entry draw.
The February 10 draw required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 720 points, 6 points higher than the previous PNP draw. It was the third PNP draw of 2021 and fifth overall this year.
The draw continues the return to targeting specific programs since the start of 2021. Canada followed up PNP draws on January 6 and 20 with Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws a day later.
It means Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has now issued 10,654 ITAs through five program-specific draws to start 2021.
Canada has this year conducted three PNP draws, issuing 1,278 ITAs, and two CEC draws, issuing 9,376 ITAs.
When the coronavirus crisis began in Canada in March 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) switched to draws focused on PNP and CEC candidates, given they were more likely to already be in the country.
The latest draw saw the tie-breaking rule implemented on August 14, 2020 at 2.51am EST. If more than one candidate had the minimum CRS score, only those who submitted their Express Entry profiles before this date and time received invitations.
This was the fifth round of invitations under Express Entry in 2021 and 175th overall.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is an immigration system implemented by Canadian immigration authorities (IRCC) on January 1, 2015 which manages skilled worker applications under Federal Economic programs. This includes the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program the Canada Experience Class and parts of the Provincial Nomination Programs.
Stakeholders expect to see continued high numbers of invitations issued as Canada builds towards its target of more than 400,000 new permanent residents in 2021, with a majority of draws featuring CRS scores around 470.
With the coronavirus crisis striking in March, Canada switch to program-specific draws aimed at Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program candidates. This had the effect of significantly increasing the number of individual draws beyond previous years.
What Can Employers Do to Recruit Foreign Workers?
Employers are encouraged to consider securing an LMIA or nomination under provincial nomination programs (PNPs) to ensure long term retention of employees.
Interested employers wishing to seek our assistance are invited to contact us here for further information.
What Should Candidates Do Next?
It is expected that the majority of applicants to be issued ITAs in 2021 will require a CRS score around 470 points, enabling a significant number of applicants to receive permanent admission to Canada without a job offer or nomination under a provincial immigration program. However, securing an approved offer of employment is highly recommended.
Find out whether you qualify to Canada by completing our online evaluation. We will provide you with your evaluation results within 1-2 business days.