Express Entry Results COVID-19
This month, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued invitations to the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program in two all-inclusive Express Entry draws.
Express Entry Draw December 2020
IRCC held two Express Entry draws in December 2020, which targeted all streams of the Express Entry system: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Class, and Provincial Nominee Programs.
Express Entry Draw: December 9th, 2020
Number of invitations: 5,000
CRS cut-off score: 469
Express Entry Draw: December 23rd, 2020
Number of invitations: 5,000
CRS cut-off score: 468
Express Entry 2021 Prediction
In October, IRCC released Canada’s Immigration Plan for the next three years. This plan shows how many immigrants Canada plans to accept in 2021 with targets for each immigration program and category.
According to the Immigration Plan for 2021, Canada plans to admit 108,500 immigrants via Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Class).
In addition to this number, Canada also aims to admit 80,800 immigrants through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), such as the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
With an average of two draws per month, we can expect to see approximately 4,500 ITAs issued per draw in 2021.
In terms of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, the average CRS cut-off score for all-inclusive draws in 2020 was 472 points. We can expect this trend to continue into 2021.
If travel restrictions continue to be extended due to the coronavirus, we can also expect more program-specific draws for the Canadian Experience Class, targeting in-Canada applicants.
Applying for PR During COVID-19
Permanent Residency applications for Canada that are complete will continue to be processed as per normal procedures.
Permanent Residency applications that are incomplete due to unavailable documents will be retained in the system and reviewed in 90 days. This allows applicants additional time to supply documentation such as Biometrics and Medical Examinations, which are not currently being conducted.
New Permanent Residency applicants should indicate if they have been affected by service disruptions due to COVID-19. Upon indicating this in their application, they will also be granted a 90-day extension to provide all necessary documentation. Failure to provide this notice could result in rejected applications.
How long does it take for Express Entry Canada?
According to the Government’s processing time calculator, applications for programs managed by the Express Entry system should be processed in 6 months. Under normal circumstances, we find this estimate to be somewhat conservative. It often takes 12 months from start to finish for an Express Entry applicant to land in Canada.
However, in light of COVID-19, service disruptions and restrictions may take place. This, in turn, will have an impact on processing times. Applicants should expect their application to exceed the typical processing time.
How Can I Apply for Express Entry?
Check to see if you are eligible for a program that is managed by the Express Entry system. • Canadian Experience Class • Federal Skilled Worker Program • Federal Skilled Trades Program
Get your documents ready (e.g. language test results, educational credential assessment, provincial nomination [if you have one], etc.)
Create an Express Entry profile online where you can enter information about your skills, education, language ability, work experience, and more.
You will then be assigned a CRS score out of 1200 points and enter the pool of Express Entry applicants.
Every two to three weeks, the Canadian government will conduct an Express Entry draw where applicants with the highest CRS score receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Those who are extended an ITA have 90 days to complete an application.
Our Services
Calver and Associates is a leading provider of Canadian Immigration services in Durham Region. We serve clients in Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, and beyond. Our Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant has over 10 years of experience in Canadian Immigration law and over four years of experience serving those in the Oshawa area.
We can provide assistance with applications for both temporary and permanent residency in Canada. We handle applications for study permits, permanent residency, family class sponsorship, visitor visas, work permits, and Canadian citizenship. We also handle criminal inadmissibility cases by developing remedies for refusal.
