Record Low for Express Entry Draw

Start of 2018 Brings Record Low for Express Entry Draw

One of 2018’s first draws, on January 24, had approximately 2, 750 invitations for Express Entry candidates to apply for permanent residency in Canada. It is important to note that the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was cut off at 444, which is a reduction of two points compared to the Express Entry draw that was made on January 10, 2018. With the previous five draws that were made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the tie-break rule began which means that any and all candidates that had a CRS score of above 444 as well as those who scored exactly 444 would be invited into the Express Entry pool and will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). In this article, I will address more information pertaining to the new record lows for Express Entry draws and how it affects the Express Entry immigration system altogether.

Record Low on Express Entry Draw

Interestingly enough, the first two draws of 2018 are already lower than the previous year of 2017. The draws made in the first two draws of 2017 already set record lows; therefore, these new draws and the CRS scores are now even lower and are making new records. This is very interesting as well because in previous years, specifically in 2015, the first two draws had records of upwards of 800 for the CRS scores. Therefore, they have almost been cut in half.

In the new three-year immigration plan that was implemented in November of 2017, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) set a vigorous admissions target of approximately 74 thousand for the Express Entry immigration system for 2018. This is an increase of approximately 3 thousand over its 2017 target. Keep in mind, if there are higher admissions targets for 2018, then this may result in more frequent draws which could also translate into more record-breaking CRS scores. This can be very exciting news for any foreign nationals wishing to apply under the Express Entry immigration system for permanent residency in Canada.

Provincial Nominee Program

Another option for foreign nationals wishing to permanently immigrate to Canada is the Provincial Nominee Program. Specifically, in the beginning of 2018, the two provinces that were most popular were Manitoba and Ontario. These provinces, as well as the program itself, have become an extremely popular option for foreign nationals. Additionally, on January 22, 2018, the province of Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream administered approximately over 300 Notifications of Interest to candidates under the Express Entry immigration system who submitted their applications in the beginning of 2018. Likewise, on January 11, 2018, the province of Manitoba’s Express Entry Pathway administered approximately over 150 Letters of Advice to Apply to candidates under the Express Entry immigration system.

It is worth mentioning that any candidate under the Express Entry immigration system that also receives a provincial nomination will receive an additional 600 CRS points. This will, of course, push them closer to obtaining an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency in Canada in the subsequent draw.

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

If you are a foreign national and do not understand what the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) does to aid you with your Express Entry immigration application, I will explain what it is and what it does. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a tool used my Immigration Canada to assist you in calculating your CRS score based on the answers you provide for them. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) specifically assesses your skills; education; work experience; language ability and several other factors. Other factors that can be assessed by the CRS include Canadian degrees, diplomas or certificates; a nomination from a province or territory in Canada; a valid job offer from a Canadian employer; and more. The CRS will then rank your CRS score to other eligible candidates in the Express Entry immigration system pool. At that point, you will be within the Express Entry pool for one year. Keep in mind, once the year is complete, you must reapply in order to see if you’re eligible to re-enter the pool.

If and once you are placed in the Express Entry pool, there will be regular scheduled rounds of draws to invite eligible candidates for permanent residency in Canada. Once you are invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada, you will need to obtain an “Invitation to Apply” prior to actually applying online for permanent residence.

Express Entry Pool Eligibility

The different economic immigration programs that are managed by the Express Entry immigration system all have different sets of criteria that must be met in order to apply. Just to be clear, the programs include:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canadian Experience Class
• Some of the Provincial Nominee Program

Contact Akrami & Associates

If you believe that you are a qualified and skilled foreign worker and want to become an eligible candidate under the Express Entry immigration system, we can help you with this process. If you have skilled work experience and meet all of the eligibility requirements, we suggest you research what NOC you qualify for. Moreover, any Immigration application can become overwhelming if done alone and if you are still unsure or confused on whether or not you fit a specific NOC or if you qualify under the Express Entry system, it is highly recommended that you seek out professional and experienced help before attempting to apply. Here, at Akrami & Associates, we work and have experience with many different immigration issues. We have helped many of our clients receive permanent residency through Express Entry. If you believe that you might be eligible for permanent residency in Canada under the Express Entry system, please feel free to contact Akrami & Associates at our office at 416-477-2545 for more information or if you would like to book a consultation with an immigration professional for more advice.

With Akrami & Associates, there is always a way!