Candidates in the Express Entry pool for immigration to Canada with 435 or more Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points were issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence in the latest draw from the pool, which took place on September 6.

A total of 2,772 candidates were invited this time around, bringing the total number of ITAs issued so far this year to 66,549, far more than were issued in the whole of last year. More than half of all ITAs issued since Express Entry was first launched in January, 2015 have been issued in 2017.

Invited candidates have 90 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence, including supporting documentation. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to complete the processing of applications within six months.

The CRS cut-off threshold of 435 for the September 6 draw is broadly in line with recent draws, which have tended to have thresholds around the mid-430s. Earlier this summer, and following improvements made to the CRS in early June, the thresholds were slightly higher at 449, 440, and 441, respectively, in the first three draws immediately following those changes.

Although the threshold has not changed much over the three most recent draws, it may be noted that the number of ITAs issued has decreased slightly. If or when IRCC begins to invite more candidates to apply for permanent residence, the threshold may then decrease again. The lowest ever threshold of any draw so far was 413, on May 31, 2017. This was the final draw to take place before the changes to the CRS were implemented in early June.

Esther is a 30-year-old, single professional working in the education sector. Since completing her bachelor’s degree, she has been working in her field for three years. Her advanced English skills, together with her other credentials, gave her a CRS score of 436, enough to obtain an ITA in the latest draw.

Maria is a 30-year-old married woman with three years of work experience in hospitality. Both she and her spouse have completed a bachelor’s degree, as well as scoring 8 in each IELTS category. Her CRS score of 435 means that she can now submit an application for permanent residence after receiving her ITA.

Arjun is a 37-year-old professional working in the tech industry. He completed his master’s degree in his home country and gained three years of work experience. He has advanced English proficiency. His CRS score is 437, qualifying him for an ITA following the September 6 draw.

Robin is 34 years old and is working in Canada. He completed a bachelor’s degree in Canada, and has subsequently been working for two years in Canada on a post-graduate work permit. Prior to coming to Canada as a student, he obtained two years of experience as abroad. Robin has demonstrated an adequate intermediate proficiency in English, except for reading, for which he has reached high intermediate level. His credentials allow him to be awarded a CRS score of 436.

How to enter the Express Entry pool

Not everyone may enter the Express Entry pool. First, individuals need to be eligible under one of Canada’s federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or the Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC).

“Before you can compete with others in the Express Entry pool for a coveted invitation to apply, it is important to get a thorough assessment of your eligibility and your potential options for improvement thereafter,” says Attorney David Cohen. “Then, it is important to prepare documentation so that when you are invited, you are ready.”

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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