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CIC News / 2017 / April / Express Entry Quarterly Review: Number of ITAs Issued Skyrockets

Express Entry Quarterly Review: Number of ITAs Issued Skyrockets

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Canadian immigration numbers through Express Entry are going up in 2017The opening months of 2017 have been a groundbreaking period in the history of Canada’s Express Entry immigration selection system. More candidates are being invited to apply than ever before, processing times remain short, and successful applicants continue to land in Canada as permanent residents. This quarterly review will take stock of the year so far, while also looking forward to what may come in the future.

Through the opening three months of 2017, a total of 24,652 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence have been issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), an increase of more than 160 percent on the 9,465 ITAs issued over the first quarter of 2016. For the same period in 2015, a total of 6,851 ITAs were issued.

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Indeed, the number of ITAs issued to candidates in the pool over the first quarter of 2017 is far greater than during any other quarter since the Express Entry system was first launched in January, 2015.

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The increase in the number of ITAs issued was not entirely unexpected, as IRCC had stated last year that it expected invitation rounds (draws) to increase in size through the fall/autumn season. However, the scale of this increase was substantial, and the effect of this increase on CRS cut-off thresholds is clear to see when compared with the opening months of 2015 and 2016.

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Other factors contributing towards this increase include a reduction in the backlog of applications submitted under the federal economic immigration programs before Express Entry was launched, as well as Canada’s Immigration Plan for 2017, which targets more newcomers through these programs — now managed through Express Entry — than ever before.

A transitional period

Early 2017 may be seen as a transitional period within the unfolding history of Express Entry, coming as it did between two sets of improvements to the system.

The first set of improvements came last November, when the number of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points awarded for a qualifying job offer was changed from 600 points to either 50 or 200, depending on the position offered (note: a job offer is not required to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry). In making these changes, IRCC predicted that ‘a reduction of points to candidates with arranged employment means the CRS cut-off will decline,’ adding that it aimed to ‘balance the Comprehensive Ranking System to put greater weight on human capital, skills and experience.’

While the number of points a candidate could obtain for a job offer decreased, the requirements surrounding such a job offer were relaxed to include many candidates holding employer-specific work permits in Canada. Therefore, a number of candidates in the pool were immediately in line for a 50- or 200-point boost to their scores.

As a result, it was expected that the CRS threshold in the first few draws after the changes were introduced would actually go up temporarily to allow for the fact that more candidates with job offers could claim additional points. Once this initial group of candidates exited the pool, however, IRCC expected the CRS threshold to go down.

Ultimately, this is what happened through closing weeks of 2016 and into 2017, as the point requirement for a candidate to receive an ITA went from 497 to 434 in just two-and-a-half months. In that time, the CRS threshold reached a new record low on three occasions. In addition, by inviting more candidates IRCC had to reach deeper into the pool — therefore, more candidates were in line to receive an ITA.

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Candidates who had studied in Canada also benefited from the introduction of additional points for their Canadian education last November.

The next set of improvements to Express Entry are due come into force on June 6. The three changes to come are the introduction of additional points for candidates with a sibling in Canada, additional points for candidates with French ability, and a change to make registration in the Canada Job Bank voluntary. These changes are not expected to alter the CRS as significantly as the changes introduced last November.

The effect of Provincial Nominee Programs

Since IRCC made improvements to the CRS last November, provincial nomination has become by far the most valuable factor — the only factor worth 600 points, in a system that awards up to 1,200 points in total.

The number of newcomers expected to arrive through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in 2017 is around seven percent higher than last year’s target, and most PNPs include at least one enhanced stream aligned with the Express Entry system. Indeed, Ontario, BC, and Nova Scotia have each opened multiple enhanced streams since 2015, while other Atlantic provinces and Saskatchewan have also engaged with Express Entry on an ongoing basis through their PNPs.

Around 13 percent of candidates issued an ITA in 2015 had obtained a provincial nomination. However, over the first nine months (or 20 draws) of 2016, this figure increased to 23 percent, showing the increasing importance of these programs over time as more provinces welcome newcomers through their enhanced streams.

The 600 CRS points that may be obtained through provincial nomination has an effect on the make-up of the pool as a whole, as certain proactive candidates benefit from a nomination. This can contribute to an increase in the CRS threshold in some draws from the pool; for example, in the most recent draw the threshold moved from 434 to 441 following a slightly longer gap than usual between draws. A longer gap may have given more candidates an opportunity to obtain a nomination in the meantime, and the threshold may then have increased as a result.

Admissions to Canada through Express Entry

On March 31, IRCC disclosed that Canada has welcomed more than 43,000 new permanent residents through Express Entry since its launch in January, 2015.

Given that the department had already released a half-year and a full-year report on Express Entry for 2015, including data on admissions, it can now be revealed how many more admissions took place over the last five quarters compared to the first year of the system being operational.

Over the first six months or so of 2015, 411 new permanent residents landed in Canada through Express Entry, an average of 16 per week. This relatively low number can be attributed to the fact that these newcomers would have had to receive an ITA, submit an e-application, successfully have that application processed to completion, and physically land in Canada — all within six months. Indeed, the fact that Express Entry admissions were possible within this period shows how successful IRCC was in making the process quick and simple.

Over the next six months, the rate of admissions shot up to an average of 361 per week. And since early January, 2016, this rate has again increased to 514 new landings per week.

Suffice to say, Canadian immigration authorities are welcoming more and more new immigrants through Express Entry as time goes by. Besides, the increased number of ITAs being issued over recent months will mean a corresponding increase in the rate of admissions, as IRCC sees the Express Entry system as the main driver of economic immigration to Canada.

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A look forward

“Overall, the first three months of 2017 can be viewed rather positively on reflection. The improvements made last November have had the desired effect of more candidates being invited based on the human capital, skills, and experience. These improvements, past and future, show that the Liberal government is optimizing its economic immigration for the betterment of the country and its economy,” says Attorney David Cohen. “And if draw sizes remain relatively large — or increase again — we may see lower CRS thresholds deeper into 2017.

“There are many steps that individuals may take towards realizing their Canadian immigration goals through Express Entry, depending on where they are in the process. Getting into the pool with an accurate, up-to-date profile is the first, and after this point it’s about being proactive, keeping track of PNP updates and developments, and finding other potential ways to improve your chances of selection.

“Once an ITA has been obtained, it is then crucial to have documents and forms prepared and reviewed so that you can join the more than 43,000 individuals who have already made Canada their home through Express Entry.”

A New CRS Calculator is Available

Readers can use the new and improved CRS Calculator to find out what their score would be under the existing system, as well as under the tweaked system due to come into force as of June 6.

To find out if you are eligible to immigrate to Canada permanently, fill out a free online assessment form.

© 2017 CICNews All Rights Reserved

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Comments

  1. Ielts must in pr??

  2. Thanks for replying

  3. pleas I want to ask about immigration with my family I Syrian

  4. Hello sir,
    In this we have to clear a ILETS Exam also.

  5. I have done visit UK and Australia now I want visit Canada

  6. My every day dream getting Canada immigration visa

  7. My CRS score is 374. Is there any expectancy of reaching cutoff to my score?

  8. I am currently working here in Hongkong and I am willing to apply work in Canada as nanny Am I qualified now to apply? I am 8 months working here. I am degree holder and finished caregiver course in the Philippines.

  9. Hello sir, your monthly post’s is always very informatic. I am fan of that.

  10. i’m very interested to immigrate to canada with my wife and my 2 babies, actually i’m working in banking sector. i’m looking forward to your response.

    Regards

  11. I hope to be one from the next who get entry Visa to Canada to live and to work.

  12. Hi, am an african seeking asylum in europe presently in Italy. I arrived Europe June 2016. I am finding the place not intresting due to the language differences and constant bombing around. What do i need to put in place to easy my relocation to canada. I have a degree in engineering and alot of experience in the field as a maintenance engineer, supervisor. Thanks, James.

  13. Please sir! When are the lucky once hear from you?

  14. Will CRS Score to be given with ITA reach 359 or lower? Canada’s already the same as USA when it comes to inviting immigrants.

  15. Thank you so much for educating on certain vital points in the process. I have three queries to get clarified, sir:
    1. I am an English qualified teacher in india and have six yeats of teaching experience at college level. Unforunately, WES considered my PG as UG. I have two diplomas with one year duration but they have not been considered. All in all, my score has fallen. How can I increase the CRS score? No, we are with 337
    2. Can I get job oppotunities, as I am an English teacher, to be picked in job bank and gain 50 extra points?
    3. Can I change my profession? I mean will employers consider my prpfile without experience?

    My questuons may please be answered. Thank you in advance

  16. Im a driver looking for a driving job in your country i have 4 years driving experience in Zimbabwe

    Please help me if there is a chance

  17. I think CRS score may also go down after June policy change. What are your views?

  18. very nice

  19. Thanks a lot but i would request for more guideline on how to apply

  20. I worked Somali regional state revenue bureau for the position of head of personal office!!

  21. I want to continue my education in Canada

  22. If i live in mexico can i apply for a work permit?

  23. Hello
    How need to get visa?
    In live in UK about 3 years.
    Have butcher skill
    I born in Lithuanian

  24. I am from afghanistan i have some problem in this country
    Of securtiy and i want get me visit for canada for work study
    Thanks for information

  25. je veux travailler

  26. Dear sir
    I applied for pnp to pei about a year ago under the noc 4214 and till now there is no response. Please let me know how much time I have to wait and are there any chances of getting ita from pei.

  27. I am applying to Canada as skilled worker under the program of provincial nominee program in quebec, I have my agency the problem is they are telling me right mow that PNP program is under express entry, isn’t it? my ielts as follows: speaking- 6.5, writing- 6, listening- 5.5 and reading- 5, Am i qualified to apply in Canada probably in Quebec because my brother is there, I have 2 kids turning 17 and the 2nd 10, our age of my wife turning 41, may I know if still we are illegible for the application, thank you

  28. I had 6.5 in my ielts overall but with 5.5 in reading. Am I eligible to migrate to Manitoba?

  29. I am a cooking chef; 4years experience; want to immigrate to canada

  30. Hi I have experience of 1600 hours in 10 months in Canada. Can I apply for express entry on that basis or I have to wait till 1 year at my job.
    Please advise
    Thank you

  31. Good day Sir, thank you for your frequent posts on Canada immigration. Its been helpful. I wish to find out, how do i go about applying for it? I am looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you

  32. Hello sir,
    My concern is that if a person doing a field relevant part time job(20 hours in week),,are these hours will be counted in experience When applying for permanant residency???? Waiting for your respond…
    Thanks

  33. Interesting

  34. What’s your IELTS score? if you get more than 7 band, i.e CLB 9 you will get more score CRS points in fact it changes equations. If IELTS score is already advanced, then you should look towards provincial nominations. Provincial nomination gives you 600 more points.
    I’m not from CICnews but just one like you looking towards Canada PR but falling short on CRS.

    Use this tool (below) to check your CRS score and tweak and re calculate to see what impacts your score.

    http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/crs-tool.asp

  35. I’m working as a teacher since 2010 and my ielts score Is listening 8.5,reading 7,speaking 6.5,writing 6.am I eligible to apply for express entry?

  36. Hello I have done MDS in Oral Medicine and Radiology from India
    What r the further job prospectives there in Canada

  37. Hello,

    Is securing a job important for immigrating to Canada on the basis of ITA?
    Also, is it important to score a minimum of 7 bands in each module?

    Regards,

  38. im sofie idoudi from tunisia i have baccaloureat in technique i want to immegrate to canada couse i like to work and contunie my studie if i have a chance help me to find my way

  39. I passed graduation ,pgdca,PTT(primary teacher training ),NTT (Nursery teacher training )beaution course also.I am marriad. I have two children. I interested Canada for work visa and settled also. My children are studing in fifth class.My husband is shopkeeper.

  40. I am physiotherapist
    I’m from Algeria
    I working in hospital and I have diploma in airobic

  41. I love to work and live permanently in Canada. How do I start the processing?

  42. How do I obtain a nomination for PNP program?

    How do I get into the pool with an accurate up to date profile?

    How do I keep track of PNP up to date and developments?

    How do I find other potential
    ways to improve my chances of selection?

    How do I obtain an ITA?

  43. Hello,
    I’m Oumaima Elidrissi Canada it’s a beautiful country and I would like to live there

  44. Please I wrote IELTS and my overall band score is 7.5 with a CEFR level of C1. How does this match with the CLB classifications given under the CRS calculator please as I’m uncertain how to do the conversion?

  45. I studied outside Canada but have just concluded a WES evaluation and received my report. Can i use that report to respond YES to the question “HAVE YOU STUDIED IN CANADA” under the CRS points calculator?

    Also, with reference to the CRS points calculator, what does a CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFICATION mean as implied by the question, “Do you have a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian province or territory (excluding Quebec and Nunavut)”?

    Lastly, what does the expression, “SKILLED TRADESPERSON” meanwith respect to the CRS calculator?

    Thanks.

  46. I was already submitted my application but yet i dont recieved any updates, i think my points was qualified on the latest draw. Thats all my concern….thanks and more power…

  47. please, i want to come to Canada and work, with my family .i am a welding machine operator, ,mig,Gnaw,Smaw,tig.etc. Canada my dream land.

  48. I am interested

  49. Hi ..yes it will be counted..as long as you are not self employed and you are working on PAYROL.Save your pay stubs and 30 hrs are considered as fultime in Immigration less 30 is Part time.But if its on Payrol there would be no prob.Hope that helps

  50. Hi Margaret..
    No you cannot say Yes.Since you have no Diploma/Degree course done from Canada.WES is a Credentialing body which governs if your study which was done back home holds some recognition or not.And “Certificate of Qualification means “..If you hold any Liscense which is a permission by specific Province to work as a professional.For eg.a Medical dr.pass his/her liscence to work as a Dr.is specific province.and Lastly SKILLED TRADESPERSON mean there are specific codes given to specific Jobs which is called NOC codes.You can search yours for eg.You are skilled worker as a Welder or Co struction worker or a Dr.so you need to look into that category and find your specific code.Hope that helps.

  52. i would like to know if there are any expected dates of doing draws by cic for express entry candidates especially in june?

  53. Pls i want to know how to apply for the atlantics migration with my family. Am in Nigeria