Canada reduces Express Entry application period to 60 days

Shelby Thevenot
Published: June 29, 2021

Express Entry candidates will once again have 60 days from the date they receive their invitation to submit their application.

As of June 29, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is rolling back the COVID-19 measure to allow Express Entry candidates to have 90 days to apply for permanent residence. The immigration department reported the change in a media release.

In March 2020, IRCC extended the application period as part of a slew of new coronavirus-related measures. It was meant to allow immigration applicants to have more time to prepare their documents. At the time, the pandemic had just swept the world, causing service disruptions and grounding flights.

Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

IRCC says the return to the 60-day timeframe will allow the department to process higher volumes of applications.

There will still be some special measures for applicants who are affected by coronavirus-related public health restrictions. IRCC offers a complete list on its government webpage. Generally speaking, they pertain to people who have not yet applied for Canadian immigration, applicants who are still in processing, Confirmation of Permanent Residency (COPR) holders, and others.

Express Entry candidates who were invited to apply before June 29, 2021 will still have 90 days to submit their application for permanent residence. So, those invited in the previous Express Entry draw are not affected. The new measure applies to Express Entry candidates who will be invited in the weeks to come.

The 60-day application period has been in place since 2018. Back then, IRCC reduced it from 90 days after finding that 57 per cent of applicants applied within two months.

This rolling back of coronavirus measures comes a little over a week from when Canada opened its border to COPR holders, allowed fully vaccinated travellers to skip quarantine, and reopened direct flights with Pakistan.

Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

© CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
IRCC issues ITAs to Express Entry candidates in second draw this week
IRCC has held another round of invitations for Express Entry candidates
Immigration Minister declares intention to have more in-Canada immigration draws
A woman in a field, with a Canadian flag wrapped around them.
How to become a permanent resident in Canada?
A teacher and her students preparing for the IELTS.
Am I eligible for Express Entry?
A woman walks towards a small island atop a pier.
Top Stories
Can I travel outside of Canada as a temporary resident?
Ontario announces distribution of allocation for international study permits in 2024
Canada to introduce a Renters Bill of Rights
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Canada
Can I travel outside of Canada as a temporary resident?
male traveler taking selfie portrait on the hill with mount assiniboine in national park at BC, Canada
Canada to introduce a Renters Bill of Rights
Clearing up three common misconceptions about immigrating to Canada
Debunking common myths about immigrating to Canada.
IRCC issues ITAs to Express Entry candidates in second draw this week
IRCC has held another round of invitations for Express Entry candidates
Link copied to clipboard