Express Entry: March Draw Sends Out More Invitations

In the latest invitation round held on 4th March, more than 3,900 immigrant candidates received invitations for permanent residency in Canada via the Express Entry System. The minimum CRS score required to qualify for the ITA was 471.

In comparison, the previous draw was held during the third week of February. It had a minimum CRS score of 469. More than 4500 immigrant candidates from the Express Entry category received their Invitation to Apply (ITA).

To be eligible to receive an ITA, a candidate has to set up their profile under the Express Entry System. This system manages candidates who fall into the categories of economic class immigration programs, namely, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Class.

This online profile comprises a questionnaire related to fundamental human capital factors of the candidate like age, educational qualification, work experience, and proficiency over the official language of Canada. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada or IRCC process all the permanent residency applications within six months.

Based on these answers, the candidates receive CRS scores or the Comprehensive Ranking System scores. A high CRS score means an increased chance of getting an ITA. Due to a high ITA of around 85,000 newcomers set for this year’s immigration level plan, the government of Canada is issuing a higher number of invitations in every draw.

If a candidate has a low CRS score, then there are other potential ways available too that can help that candidate increase their CRS score. Candidates can opt for provincial nominations to improve their count as acceptance of this can benefit the candidate with an additional 600 points to the overall CRS score.

Provinces of Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Prince Edward Island have provisions for Express Entry candidates to apply for provincial nominations.