Already Two Express Entry Draws in April 2020

As many countries around the world prepared to enter a long weekend of uncertainty, there were a good number of Canadian immigration applicants who received life changing news in these hard and uncertain times. On the 9th of April 2020, Canada held not one, but two Express Entry draws to invite applicants who have applied to immigrate to Canada for permanent residency. The first draw had a high Comprehensive Ranking Score cutoff, at 698 points this draw was aimed at applicants with a provincial nomination and saw 606 applicants sent invitations.    For the second draw that same day, the cutoff score was lowered to 464 points, opening the door for another 3,294 applicants to receive invitations. This was the lowest set cutoff score since October 2019 and saw a total of 3,900 invitations issued in one day.    Canada is one of very few countries that are somehow effectively managing the Covid-19 pandemic with open borders. Canada recognizes the role immigrants have played in the success of their own economy and is therefore working hard to ensure it continues to attract global talent while maintaining the integrity of its borders.   IMPORTANT NOTICE: on the 1st of April, the IRCC released an official statement saying that it would continue to process applications for permanent residency. In other words, if you had any doubts, don’t. Start your Canadian immigration process today.

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How Do I Apply For Express Entry

The Express Entry system is made up of three immigration programs. Which one you should apply through depends on your skills, qualifications and experience.  Federal Skilled Worker Program - for people with a qualification and experience in managerial, professional and technical positions. Federal Skilled Trades Program - skilled trade workers in the following categories:

• Industrial, electrical and construction
• Maintenance and equipment operation
• Supervisors and technical jobs in operations, agriculture and related production
• Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators
• Chefs and cooks
• Butchers and bakers

Canadian Experience Class Program - if you fall into one of the above professions and already have a minimum of one years work experience in Canada. The first step is to know which of these program you are eligible for. You will then create an online profile into which you will enter all your professional information to calculate a Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS), and be entered into the pool of Express Entry applicants. If you have a high score, you have nothing to worry about and can expect an invitation. You may however find that you are just below the cutoff score. Do not be discouraged, there are numerous ways to boost your CRS and earn an invitation. Here are just a few:

1. Obtain a valid job offer (in your profession) - a valid job offer, depending on the NOC category it falls into, can be worth anything between 50 and 200 points
2. Create an expression of interest in a particular province and earn a provincial nomination - a provincial nomination is worth 600 points, and as you can see from the first Express Entry draw of the two, pretty much guarantees an invitation to apply for PR status.
3. Get a letter of support from a close friend or distant family member already living in Canada - even if it can’t be counted toward the CRS (only a direct family member is worth points) it can help earn a provincial nomination, and you’ve read what that is worth.
4. Improve your CLB test scores - higher scores means higher points, simple.

 

Other Visa Programs

International Students

While the new academic year is just around the corner, graduation is happening. Post graduate work permits are therefore a high priority for the IRCC in their mission to keep talent from abroad in the country. Furthermore students who returned home and continued with online study are also eligible for PGWP’s.  

Agri-Food and Transportation

Foreigners applying for work permits are still being fast-tracked as the shortage in these sectors is being critically addressed. Furthermore requirements surrounding Labour Market Impact Assessments have been loosened to enable them to recruit the necessary talent to meet demand.  

What We Do at MDC

Navigating the Canadian immigration and visa system can be a confusing and discouraging experience. There are copious amounts of forms to complete, documents to submit and strict submission dates. If you are applying for Express Entry you need to ensure that you maximise your CRS score to get an invitation to apply for permanent residency as quickly as possible. If you are a skilled trades worker, you need to ensure all essential duties you are responsible for in your profession are listed, so that it is clear which classification you fall into. If you don’t show that your experience meets the requirements of the National Occupation Category, your application will be rejected.  Given the strictness surrounding the application process, we wouldn’t blame you for being slow to take off with your application. That's what we’re here for. MDC is an all inclusive immigration and visa service, we take the stress and hassle out of the application process. Our accredited RCICs (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants) are ready to evaluate your eligibility, review all documentation and submit your application and supporting documents on your behalf. Using an RCIC not only gives you the best possible chance of receiving an ITA but will make the entire process simple and stress-free. We handle the paperwork while you secure a good job offer.  All you have to do is complete our online eligibility form and we’ll take care of the rest. It's just that simple.