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What a Start! 3,400 Newcomers Invited in First Express Entry Draw of 2020

February 9, 2021

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  • Robynn Farrell

The 134th Express Entry draw and the first for 2020 kicked off on January 8th. The Canadian Government issued 3,400 candidates invitations to apply (ITA) for permanent residency. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score for the draw was 473. The admissions target for 2020 is higher than it’s ever been before at 85,800 foreign nationals who, during the course of the year, will be granted opportunities to make Canada their new home. This ambitious figure plays a major role in combating Canada's declining birth rate and retiring workforce over the next decade.  This is great news for skilled and semi-skilled foreign workers who are looking for better career opportunities abroad and a higher quality of life. They can apply through the Express Entry system to jumpstart their Canadian journey.    Find out if you’re eligible to enter the Express Entry draw

Not clued up? 4 Important Things to Know About Express Entry

Express Entry
  1. The (Fast) Online System
Express Entry is an online system that manages immigration applications from skilled foreign workers for three economic programs, namely the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Trades Worker Program (FTWP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The reason for its popularity is due to the fact that it's one of the fastest immigration systems in the world - it processes applications in as little as 4-6 months!
  1. Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score
The CRS is a points-based system associated with Express Entry that is used to award points for criteria such as age, education, skilled work experience, and language proficiency. Arranged employment and a provincial nomination can significantly increase your CRS score, although neither is compulsory. 
  1. Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Once you’ve created an Express Entry profile that serves as an initial application, you need to follow the routine Express Entry draws that take place every two weeks, like this one.  If your CRS score matches or is above the required draw score, you may be issued an ITA and can apply for permanent residency in Canada. 
  1. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
All Canadian provinces and territories have dedicated immigration programs and streams to address labor shortages in their respective cities. 9 of the 11 PNP streams align with the Express Entry system and Canadian provinces will, on occasion, invite candidates directly from the federal Express Entry pool in response to provincial labor-market needs. Similarly, Express Entry candidates can indicate an Expression of Interest (EOI) in a province on their online profile, if their skills are in-demand in that province/territory. How do you know if your skills are in-demand? Provincial governments publish lists of in-demand occupations on their official websites.  

Express Entry Into Canada: How We Can Help You 

Canadian passport with airline tickets Did you know? Canadian immigration is easier, quicker and more successful when you use the services of immigration professionals. MDC is a Canadian Immigration and Visa Consultancy firm with authorized Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) who are trusted by the Canadian government to provide guidance and assistance throughout the entire immigration process. Using an RCIC will make the entire process simple and stress-free. We handle the paperwork while you prepare for your new life in Canada. All you have to do is fill out our application form to receive your eligibility assessment today and we’ll take care of the rest. It’s just that simple.