The target is to reach 160,100 new permanent residents by 2021.

We are already halfway through 2019, and it is safe to say that time is flying by. The first half of the year proved to be fruitful for Canadian immigration as it was among the most active six-month stretch to have ever been recorded in the history of the Express Entry system. A massive total of 41,800 invitations were distributed among candidates, making them eligible to apply for Canadian permanent residence. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) organized 13 draws during the first half of 2019 and altogether issued 41,800 ITAs for candidates.

The Express Entry system, since its introduction in 2015, has become indispensable in the immigration system. It gives the country access to skilled foreign workers and acts as the primary source. The system is in charge of the pool of candidates who are classified under three of Canada’s Federal High Skilled immigration programs, which are the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Class.

The candidates who are eligible have to be entered into the Express Entry pool so they can then be given ranks based on their score in the Comprehensive Ranking System, or CRS. The system takes into account factors such as age, language proficiency, education, and skilled work experience when assigning scores. Candidates who have managed to secure provincial nominations are awarded extra points. Candidates who are currently employed in Canada or completed their education in Canada are also given priority.

In 2018, 92,000 Express Entry candidates along with their families were given permanent residence in Canada. This marked a 41% increase over 2017. Canada is now trying to increase the admissions targets for all of its Express Entry-managed programs, along with the country’s Provincial Nominee Program. The target is to reach 160,100 new permanent residents by 2021.