Express Entry #173: 374 ITAs are issued in the new draw

Express Entry #173: 374 ITAs are issued in the new draw

Canada held its 173th Express Entry draw on January 20. A total of 374  ITA are issued.

This is the Third invitation round held in Year 2021. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in this round was 741.

A total of 374 candidates are invited by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in this draw and they needed a minimum score of 741.

Canada’s main three categories are managed under the Express Entry System are: –

• Federal Skilled Worker Class
• Federal Skilled Trades Class
• Canadian Experience Class

In the Express Entry system, eligible candidates for the FSWC, FSTC, CEC programs, and some Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates are scored based on the Comprehensive Ranking System, or CRS.

Express Entry is a two step process. In step one, candidates who are eligible under at least one of the three aforementioned skilled worker programs upload their profile onto IRCC’s website. They then get a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on their human capital such as their age, education, language skills, and work experience.

In step two, IRCC holds Express Entry draws approximately every two weeks and issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence to candidates with the highest CRS scores. If a candidate receives an ITA, they can go ahead and submit a permanent residence application to IRCC.

Candidates can receive an additional 600 CRS points if they receive an invitation through an Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This effectively guarantees they will successfully receive an ITA for permanent residence.

The PNP is the second main way Canada welcomes skilled worker immigrants. Most of Canada’s provinces and territories operate their own immigrant selection systems through the PNP to welcome skilled newcomers who can help address their local labour market needs. Candidates who meet the selection criteria of an Express Entry-aligned PNP stream are eligible to obtain the additional 600 CRS points assuming they receive a provincial nomination invitation.

Express Entry had a record-breaking year in 2020 despite the coronavirus pandemic. Canada issued 107,350 ITAs last year and targets are set to increase over the coming years as Canada looks to welcome more immigrants to support its post-COVID economic recovery.

Candidates are ranked in the pool based on the CRS that considers 4 main factors: –

1. Age
2. Education
3. Skilled work experience
4. Proficiency in English or French

While a job offer is not required in order to be eligible under the Express Entry system, the CRS does award additional points to candidates who have one.