IRCC, i.e., Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada, holds the first express entry draw of April, issuing over 3500 ITA, i.e. invitations to apply to the applicants in an all-program draw.
Moreover, the minimum CRS, i.e., Comprehensive Ranking System cut-off score, was 486. In addition, the candidates from CEC, i.e., Canadian Experience Class, FSWP, i.e., Federal Skilled Worker Program, and FSTP, i.e., Federal Skilled Trades Program, are issued ITAs.
This express entry draw of April follows three consecutive draws, wherein over 7000 candidates were invited. The most recent draw occurred on March 29, with the lowest CRS cut-off score since December 2020, at 481.
Moreover, unlike in 2022, more ITAs will be issued in 2023. Last November, IRCC introduced one of the ambitious immigration level plans, which outlines the immigration targets for permanent inhabitants across all lines of business for over three years.
Thus, this year, 82,880 applicants will get permanent inhabitant status through the express entry of April, therefore rising to 114,000 by 2025.
Express Entry: A Record-Breaking Month
March was an unprecedented month in the history of Express Entry. IRCC issued over 21,667 over four draws. This was the second-highest monthly total since January 2015, wherein express entry was launched. The record for most applicants invited in one month was already set in February 2021. In this draw, IRCC invited over 27,332 applicants, primarily targeting CEC, i.e., Canadian Experience Class candidates.
The express entry draw of April follows three of the second-largest draws ever.
So, the first draw was on March 15, wherein 700 candidates were invited with a CRS score of 490.
Typically, express entry draws take place every two weeks on Wednesdays. However, the next draw occurred just over a week later, i.e., on March 23. In addition, IRCC invited another 7000 candidates with a lower CRS score of 484.
Furthermore, another 7000 candidate draw took place on March 29. This adds up to 21,000 applicants invited in three consecutive weeks.
However, the remaining 667 candidates were invited on March 1 in a draw targeting candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program.
Express Entry Draw Of April: The PGWP Extension
The huge all-program draws might benefit candidates in CEC, who have been voicing growing concerns as their PGWP, i.e., Post-Graduate Work Permits, are set to expire shortly.
In order to assist these holders, Sean Frases, the immigration minister, announced that from April 6, PGWP holders could apply for an 18-month open work permit extension.
PGWPs are required for international students who graduate from a post-secondary institution in Canada. But if a candidate’s PGWP expires before they receive the ITA, they are no longer eligible to apply for permanent accommodation/ dwelling. In addition, obtaining a visitor record or finding an alternative work permit can be expensive and time-consuming.
Between November 2022 and February 2023, a few CEC candidates received ITAs because of the six-week unplanned draw halt followed by four program-specific draws that did not target CEC candidates.
What Exactly Is Express Entry?
Express Entry is an application management program established in 2015. It was primarily developed to evaluate high-skilled economic immigrants based on specific criteria, such as occupation, work experience, education, language, capability, and other human capital aspects.
As a result, these factors are ranked and scored using the Comprehensive Ranking System. The higher the CRS, the more likely an applicant will receive an ITA for a permanent dwelling.
Moreover, once the applicant receives an ITA, they have 60 days to submit their final application to IRCC. Then, an officer will further evaluate the application and decide if the applicant should have permanent resident status or not.
