Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has broken two of its own records in its most recent Express Entry draw, which took place on April 12, 2017. This draw saw more Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued to candidates in the Express Entry pool than any other single draw since the Express Entry system was introduced in January 2015. Moreover, the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score a candidate needed in order to receive an ITA dropped to 423, the lowest yet required. Candidates who received an ITA in this draw are now in a position to submit an application for Canadian permanent resident status to the federal government. Accompanying family members, including spouses or common-law partners, as well as dependent children, may also come to Canada along with the principal applicant. IRCC aims to process complete submitted applications within six months.
The opening months of 2017 have witnessed a series of decreasing CRS requirements and increasing numbers of ITAs issued. This followed predictions made by IRCC towards the end of 2016 that changes to the Express Entry system and the CRS would result in a greater number of ITAs being issued, and consequently a drop in the CRS score requirement.
CRS Requirement – 423, Number of ITAs in the latest draw – 3,923, ITAs issued in 2017 – 32,308
In order to be in a position to receive an ITA in an Express Entry draw, individuals are first required to meet the eligibility criteria of one of the three immigration programs managed through the Express Entry system — the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC), Federal Skilled Trades Class (FTSC), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Upon entering the pool, candidates are assigned a CRS score based on factors including civil status information, education, work experience, language ability, and other criteria. This score determines their ranking in the pool. During periodic draws, IRCC issues ITAs to the highest-ranking candidates. Those candidates who receive an ITA may submit an application for Canadian permanent resident status.
Express Entry quick facts, from January 1, 2015, to March 24, 2017
- Launch date: January 1, 2015
- First draw from the pool: January 31, 2015
- Most recent draw from the pool: April 12, 2017
- Minimum CRS points required for selection in any one draw: 423 (April 12, 2017)
- The largest number of invitations to apply issued in any one draw: 3,923 (April 12, 2017)
- The fewest invitations to apply were issued in any one draw: 559 (November 30, 2016. Note: This draw invited candidates with a provincial nomination only.)
- Largest decrease in CRS points required between two consecutive draws: 273 (from May 22, 2015, to June 12, 2015, draws)
- Smallest decrease in CRS points required between two consecutive draws: 0 (on three occasions)
- The largest increase in CRS points required between two consecutive draws: 316 (from November 16, 2016, to November 30. Note: The latter draw invited candidates with a provincial nomination only.)
- The smallest increase in CRS points required between two consecutive draws: 0 (on three occasions)
- Longest gap between two consecutive draws: 35 days (from April 17, 2015, to May 22, 2015 draws)
- Shortest gap between two consecutive draws: 6 days (from December 16 to December 22, 2016)
- Total number of ITAs issued in 2015: 31,063
- Total number of ITAs issued in 2016: 33,782
- Total number of ITAs issued in 2017: 32,308
- Total number of ITAs issued since the system was launched: 97,153
