The first Express Entry draw in three weeks took place on August 2, with 3,264 candidates in the pool receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence. Invited candidates each had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 441 or above. Accompanying family members, including spouses or common-law partners, as well as dependent children, may also come to Canada along with the principal applicant. IRCC aims to process complete submitted applications within six months.

The CRS cut-off threshold this time around was just one point higher than for the previous draw, which took place on July 12. However, it may be noted that the gap of three weeks between these draws was longer than on numerous previous occasions, allowing more candidates to enter the pool and giving existing candidates a longer-than-usual opportunity to increase their points totals. This may have created upward pressure on the cut-off threshold.

If or when the gaps between draws become shorter, as they have been in the past, it is entirely possible that the cut-off threshold will decrease. Apart from candidates eligible under the Federal Skilled Trades Class, the record low threshold so far is 413*, in a draw that took place on May 31.

Today’s draw brings the total number of ITAs issued since Express Entry was first launched to 122,596. Of these, nearly half (54,487) have been issued in 2017. The increase in ITAs issued this year is a consequence of Express Entry becoming the main driver of economic immigration to Canada, with the backlog of applications submitted before 2015 now whittled down to just a handful of cases.

How are candidates obtaining an ITA?

The following hypothetical examples reflect how candidates in the pool are receiving an ITA.

Edgar is 29 years old, has an advanced English language proficiency and has been working as a web developer for three years. He has a Bachelor’s degree and has never worked or studied in Canada. His 441 CRS points were enough for him to be issued an ITA.

Javier is a 34 year-old lecturer with five years of work experience. He has a Master’s degree and has demonstrated an Initial Advanced (CLB 9) English language proficiency. Like Edgar, he has never worked or studied in Canada. His CRS score of 442 was sufficient for him to be invited this time around.

Nathalie is 31 and has a Bachelor’s degree. She has been working as a sales manager for three years. She wrote her IELTS, and scored 8 in each of the four categories. She has a brother living in Toronto as a permanent resident. She has 442 CRS points, and so she was invited to apply.

Louise is 34 and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Canada. She has been working in Canada on a Post-Graduate work permit for one year. Before coming to Canada, she obtained three years of work experience in her home country. Louise has a high intermediate (CLB 8) English language proficiency. Her CRS score is 441.

Shahid, 40, is a civil engineer with six years of experience who earlier this year noticed that his occupation was considered in demand by the province of Saskatchewan for its International Skilled Worker – Express Entry sub-category. He has a Bachelor’s degree and high intermediate English ability, and his spouse has a Bachelor’s degree and adequate intermediate English ability. He prepared an application for the Saskatchewan sub-category and, when it reopened, he quickly submitted a complete application. When he received a provincial nomination and added it to his Express Entry profile, his CRS score jumped from 303 points to 903.

“A diverse range of candidates have been invited to apply over recent months, and though the cut-off threshold is not at its historic low right now, there is reason to believe that it will go down over time,” says Attorney David Cohen.

“For individuals yet to enter the pool, the time to act is now. The next few months and into next year promises to be an exciting time. The government has yet to reach its target intake, and, based on the Immigration Minister’s recent comments, this intake may go up again in the 2018 immigration levels plan, which is expected to be published this fall.”

The CRS Calculator

The CRS Calculator allows you to find out what your score would be under the Comprehensive Ranking System.

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

Candidates who receive an ITA and want to learn more about the next steps may complete this short form.

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