First Express Entry Draw of 2021!
The first Express Entry draw of 2021 occurred on January 6, 2021. Immigration Refugees, Citizenship Canada’s (IRCCs) draw #171 was a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) only draw, which invited 250 candidates, with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 813.
CRS Score Distribution as of January 4, 2021
As of January 4th, 2021 there are 146,495 express entry applicants in the pool. A major portion of these numbers is those with scores of 401-450, which is at 45,538. The number of candidates in the pool with scores between 451-500 is approximately 24,466.
Express Entry Targets
At the end of 2020, Canada issued over 100,000 ITAs to Express Entry candidates. For 2021, Canada has raised its immigration target levels as a result of the shortage of permanent resident applicants admitted in 2020, due to the pandemic. For 2021, Canada will admit 401,000 new immigrants, of which 108,500 will be under the Express Entry program. These targets are expected to go up over the next three years, rising to 110,500 in 2022 and 113,750 in 2023.
What is Express Entry?
The Express Entry System is an online application management system that aims to ensure faster processing and better economic outcomes for permanent residence to Canada under both federal and certain provincial programs. If you receive a PNP invitation, an additional 600 points will be added to your express entry profile.
Eligibility for Express Entry
In order to be eligible for one of the Express Entry programs, you must check whether you meet the requirements based on several selection factors. You must score a minimum of 67 points out of a possible 100.
The factors include:
- Education
- Age
- Work Experience
- Language Proficiency
- Family Members in Canada
- Job Offer in Canada
Once you are deemed eligible to apply, you may submit your online express entry profile. Once you create your profile, you will be put into a pool with other express entry candidates. In order to be chosen from the pool and receive an invitation to apply, you need to have one of the highest-ranking scores. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the points-based system uses to score your profile. Your CRS score will be based on the points you receive in specific criteria. If you are invited, you can apply for permanent residence.
How to Increase Your Immigration Points
Applicants who have less than competitive may increase their points through a job offer. Although a job offer in Canada may be difficult for a foreign worker, there are many skilled occupations that currently have a labour shortage in Canada.
In addition, francophone speakers have an added advantage to earn extra points on their CRS score. In addition, as of October 27th, French speaking candidates are now awarded an additional 25 points and if you are bilingual, you are eligible for an additional 50 points. In addition, several provinces have pathways specifically targeting French speakers with either increased points or specific targeted draws such as Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Ontario.
If you should have any questions or need more information about Express Entry and whether you may qualify, please complete our online assessment. You can also visit our Law Firm’s website at www.poonahimmigrationlaw.com.
