First Express Entry draw in 2020 leads to the issuance of 3,400 invitations allowing candidates to apply for permanent residence

2020 has already seen Canada’s first Express Entry draw. The draw was successful and issued 3,400 invitations to candidates. These invitations would allow them to submit their applications for permanent residence in Canada. Held on 8th January, the draw recorded the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score to be 473. This means that no candidate with a score below 473 received an invitation.

With the growing popularity of the Express Entry system, more and more candidates are deciding to apply for permanent residence. At the moment, the Express Entry system is the country’s main source for skilled foreign workers. It is in charge of the pool of candidates who belong to Canada’s three federal high-skilled immigration programs.

The candidates who are deemed eligible for a program are awarded a score under the Comprehensive Ranking System. The points are calculated on the basis of parameters like age, skilled work experience, language proficiency, and education. A job offer is not mandatory for candidates who want to be eligible for the Express Entry system. However, the CRS is designed to give additional points to candidates who can produce job offers. The highest-ranking candidates received an invitation to apply or ITA using which they can apply for Canadian permanent residence via regular draws.

The Government of Canada takes six months to process permanent residence applications that are filed under the Express Entry system. Canada has set higher admissions targets for the coming years. The Express Entry system encapsulates a variety of programs, and some positive changes may be widely implemented. The target for the PNP or the Provincial Nominee Program of Canada might increase to 67,800 in 2020 and then further to 71,300 in 2021.