Canada conducts the largest Express Entry draw for immigration to Canada! On November 18, 5,000 candidates were issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA). The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-off threshold was at 472 points & the tie-breaking rule was applied to profiles at 472 points submitted after October 27, 2020 at 06:18:11 UTC.

This was an all-program draw as candidates in the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Trades (FST) programs, including Provincial Nominees, were considered.

The Express Entry came into existence nearly six years and 167 draws ago to encourage immigration to Canada. These draws have record high targets for the federal economic immigration programs controlled through Express Entry.

CRS score distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool as of November 16, 2020

You can get an idea on the distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool several days before the latest Express Entry draw in the table below.  As of November 16, there were a total of 146,965 candidates in the Express Entry pool. When people submit new profiles and other profiles expire, the score distribution may change.

In 2020, the CRS requirement has typically hovered above 470 for all program draws. The pattern of invitation is as follows:

• Federal Skilled Trades Program-only draw on August 6 – Trades workers with a CRS of 415 were invited.
• Previous Canadian Experience Class-only draws dipped into the 440s.

Express Entry candidates who receive a provincial nomination are automatically awarded an additional 600 CRS points. Hence, PNP-only draws have higher requirements. With PNP, alternative pathways are opened for permanent residence in Canada for Express Entry candidates who have a lower CRS score.

With this new draw, the total number of ITAs issued in 2020 is raised to 92,350 marking it a new record-breaking year for Express Entry! The large number of ITAs issued are in tune with the Canadian government’s commitment to welcome over 400,000 new immigrants in 2021 through to 2023. More invitations means more admissions!

To know more on immigration to Canada and Express entry draws, get in touch with us at M & G Education & Immigration Consultants.