Express Entry Results COVID-19
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has continued to hold Express Entry draws on a bi-weekly basis. The program is currently only inviting Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants as these individuals are already in Canada.
Applicants who may not have had a chance of being invited to apply for Permanent Residency through the Express Entry system in previous months have now become eligible and competitive in the draw. We have a number of clients who were waiting to submit their application to the Express Entry system and now that CEC candidates are being prioritized, they have a better chance of success.
Canadian Experience Class
Each program managed by the Express Entry system has different requirements. In general, the requirements for the CEC are:
Language skills: English or French Skills CLB 7 (if your NOC is 0 or A) or CLB 5 (if your NOC is B)
Type/Level of work experience: 1 year in Canada in the last 3 years of work experience in NOC 0, A, or B
Job offer: Not required
It’s important to note that if you are applying to the CEC as a graduate from a Canadian DLI, you can count work experience obtained in the period before your Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) was approved. The PGWP can take up to 3-4 months to process and many graduates work during this period without realizing that this work experience counts toward the 1-year requirement.
It’s also important to note that the 12 months of full-time work experience in Canada does not have to be done in the same position. It’s possible to combine two or more jobs together.
Express Entry Draw May 2020
IRCC held four Express Entry draws in May 2020. These draws were specific to the Canadian Experience Class and the Provincial Nominee Program.
Express Entry Draw: May 27th, 2020
Program-specific: Provincial Nominee Program
Number of invitations: 385
CRS cut-off score: 757
Express Entry Draw: May 14th, 2020
Program-specific: Canadian Experience Class
Number of invitations: 3,371
CRS cut-off score: 447
Express Entry Draw: May 13th 2020
Program-specific: Provincial Nominee Program
Number of invitations issued: 529
CRS cut-off score: 718
Applying for PR During COVID-19
Applications 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 review 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.