Canada Issues Over 700 Invitations in New Express Entry Draw

Canada is one of the most popular immigrant destinations at the moment because of its friendly and welcoming policies, Express Entry Draw, and PNP programs. This year, the country aims to increase the number of newcomers to fill the existing labor gaps and compensate for the immigration losses suffered in 2020. 

Details of the draw

Canada held its latest Express Entry Draw for the candidates on September 29 and issued a total of 761 invitations to apply for permanent residence. It was the 19th draw to be held this year for candidates belonging to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This means that the invited candidates had an advantage coming into the draw. They had already acquired 600 extra CRS points because of a provincial nomination.

Provinces award nominations to candidates who they deem to be suitable for the requirements of their province. The required CRS cutoff for PNP draws is usually on the higher side for this reason. The September 29 Express Entry draw required candidates to have a minimum score of 742 to receive an invitation. 

IRCC is making a lot of effort to increase the number of newcomers into the country and hence inviting a record number of candidates to apply for permanent residence. IRCC had distributed 107,350 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) via the Express Entry system in 2020. On the other hand, over 108,000 invitations have already been issued in 2021.

As the pandemic-related travel restrictions get lifted slowly, it remains to be seen who IRCC modifies its approach towards draws. PNP candidates received preference during the pandemic since they were likely to be in the country already.