IRCC (Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada) has confirmed that Canada’s Express Entry draw has resumed after a pause of over one month. The last Express Entry draw took place over a month back on August 15. It was an all-program draw that requested 4,300 candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score (CRS) of 496. In an all-program draw, candidates are considered if they are in the Express Entry application pool and complete the minimum CRS score. However, on September 18, the IRCC confirmed its plan to resume Express Entry draws this week, reassuring candidates awaiting their opportunity to apply for permanent residency in Canada. The latest Express Entry draw invited 3,200 candidates across all programs with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 531.

An Overview Of Express Entry

Express Entry is Canada’s flagship immigration management method, designed to facilitate the entrance of skilled workers into the country. Express Entry is a comprehensive application management system that manages three federal economic immigration programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program: For individuals with the skills and experience needed to contribute to Canada’s economy.

Federal Skilled Trades Program: Targeting people with experience in skilled manual trades.

Canadian Experience Class: Designed for those with previous Canadian work knowledge.

Express Entry operates on a points-based system, where candidates are ranked based on aspects such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and more. These pathways present individuals with various backgrounds and skills with the opportunity to apply for permanent residency in Canada.

Express Entry Eligibility Requirements

The eligibility requirements for Canada’s Express Entry system are designed to evaluate and select skilled immigrants who have the prospect of contributing to Canada’s economy. To be eligible for Express Entry, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Language Proficiency: Prospects must demonstrate ability in either English or French. Language skills are considered through approved language tests like the IELTS for English and the TEF for French. Candidates must meet the minimum language score requirements for their program.

Educational Qualifications: Candidates should have completed at least a Canadian high school diploma or an equal foreign certification verified by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

Express Entry Profile: Candidates need to create an Express Entry profile and provide correct and complete information about their skills, work experience, education, language proficiency, and other relevant details.

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): Express Entry candidates are set through the CRS, which allocates points for various factors, including age, education, work experience, language skills, and other additional factors like a valid job offer or provincial nomination. Candidates must meet the minimum CRS score required in the Express Entry draw to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Provincial Nomination: Candidates with a provincial nomination through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) will obtain additional CRS points, increasing their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence.

Valid Job Offer: A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can also deliver additional CRS points. The job offer must be supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or be exempt from the LMIA requirement.

Admissibility: Candidates must be admissible to Canada, which suggests they should not have criminal records or a security threat. They must also be in good health and undergo a medical examination.

Express Entry Category-based selection draw

The Express Entry Category-based Selection Draw is a specific kind of draw conducted within the Canadian Express Entry system. The six categories include candidates with work experience in the following:

1. Healthcare
2. STEM Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics professions
3. Trades such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
4. Transport
5. Agriculture and Agri-food
6. Strong proficiency in the French-speaking ability

The selection of these categories followed vast discussions with provincial governments, business organizations, and various partners and stakeholders collaborating with IRCC. Candidates in these categories must still be part of the Express Entry program, emphasizing the significance of achieving a high CRS score to remain competitive.