Why You Should Start Your Express Entry Process in 2021
Starting 2021, Canada will be welcoming at least 401,000 new immigrants annually until 2023. More than one-third of these newcomers will migrate through the Express Entry System – Canada’s most popular and streamlined skilled immigration pathway. On February 13th, 2021, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the largest draw in history, with the lowest CRS cut-off requirement. It signals Canada’s intent to meet the immigrant intake target despite the ongoing pandemic.
Through Saturday’s draw, 27,332 principal applicants who scored 75 or more points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and had at least one year of Canadian work experience received invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence (PR). Besides inviting candidates with work experience in Canada, IRCC has also been regularly inviting prospective immigrants who have been nominated for PR by a Canadian province or territory through a Provincial Nominee Program.
With this latest draw, the number of ITAs issued by February 13th is now triple what it was at the same point in 2020. In 2021, Canada will be welcoming 108,500 immigrants through the three federal Express Entry streams – namely, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (for skilled workers living outside Canada), the Canadian Experience Class (for workers with Canadian work experience), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (for people involved in trade occupations).
Due to the current travel restrictions, the authorities are focused on providing temporary residents pathways to transition to Canadian permanent residence – since these individuals are already living in Canada. In light of recent trends, this is the optimum time for aspirants to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Express Entry System, especially those currently residing in Canada or who can secure a provincial nomination.
Once your EOI is submitted, you can continue working towards claiming more CRS points to meet the point cut-off for the next Express Entry draw and secure an ITA. Receiving an ITA could take several months, and application processing takes at least six months, so it is best to submit an EOI early. Once travel restrictions are lifted, inviting skilled workers living outside Canada will be essential for meeting the immigration targets.
Everyone in Canada – including immigrants – will have access to the COVID-19 vaccine by September 2021, which will pave the way for herd immunity and the opening up of borders. Due to the historically high immigration targets, it is fair to predict that IRCC will continue to hold large draws with low CRS requirements during 2021. To check your Express Entry Program eligibility and plan your immigration journey with expert guidance and reliable support, contact India’s most seasoned immigration consultants at 8595338595 or write to [email protected].
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