April 2020
To contain the spread of COVID-19, the Government of Canada has put several travel restrictions in place. Earlier this month, Canada closed its borders, allowing only certain people to enter via air or land travel.
Despite these restrictions, IRCC continues to hold Express Entry draws on a bi-weekly basis. Applications that are complete will continue to be processed as per normal procedures.
Incomplete Permanent Residency Applications
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 Applications
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.
Express Entry Results April 2020
IRCC held four Express Entry draws in April 2020. These draws were specific to the Canadian Experience Class and the Provincial Nominee Program.
Express Entry Draw: April 16th, 2020
Program-specific: Canadian Experience Class
Number of invitations: 3,782
CRS cut-off score: 455
Express Entry Draw: April 15th, 2020
Program-specific: Provincial Nominee Program
Number of invitations issued: 118
CRS cut-off score: 808
Express Entry Draw: April 9th, 2020
Program-specific: Canadian Experience Class
Number of invitations issued: 3,294
CRS cut-off score: 464
Express Entry Draw: April 9th, 2020
Program-specific: Provincial Nominee Program
Number of invitations issued: 606
CRS cut-off score: 698
How long does it take for Express Entry in 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.
Am I eligible for Express Entry?
There are different eligibility requirements for each of the economic immigration programs handled by the Express Entry system.
Canadian Experience Class
Language skills: English or French skills (CLB 7 if your NOC is 0 or A / CLB 5 if your NOC is B)
Type/level of work experience: Canadian experience in NOC 0, A, or B
Amount of work experience: 1 year in Canada in the last 3 years
Job offer: Not required
Education: Not required
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Language skills: English or French skills (CLB 7)
Type/level of work experience: Canadian or foreign experience in NOC 0, A, or B
Amount of work experience: 1 year continuous within the last 10 years
Job offer: Not required
Education: Secondary education
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Language skills: English or French skills (CLB 5 for speaking and listening and CLB 4 for reading and writing)
Type/level of work experience: Canadian or foreign experience in a skilled trade under key groups of NOC B
Amount of work experience: 2 years within the last 5 years
Job offer: Required
Education: Not required
How many points do you need to immigrate to Canada?
The CRS cut-off score varies in each draw based on a number of factors, which include:
The number of candidates invited
The frequency of draws
The number of new candidates entering the pool
Changes in the CRS scores of existing candidates (some candidates in the pool may increase their CRS score)
How can I apply for Canada Express Entry?
Check to see if you are eligible for a program that is managed by the Express Entry system.
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.
For more information about COVID-19 and immigration, you may find these pages helpful:
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.
