Canada Resumes Express Entry Draws with 4,750 Invitations Issued After One Month Hiatus

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has resumed its Express Entry draws after a month-long hiatus, issuing 4,750 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in an all-program draw on December 6th. This significant draw marks a welcome return to normalcy for aspiring immigrants who have been eagerly awaiting updates on the program.

Key Highlights:

• Number of Invitations: 4,750.
• Draw Type: All-program.
• Minimum CRS Score: 561 points.
• Tie-Breaking Rule: November 08, 2023 at 06:00:13 UTC
• Application Window: 60 days.
• Processing Time: Within 6 months.

Increased CRS Score Reflects Demand:

The minimum CRS score of 561 points is higher than the previous all-program draw held on October 10th (500 points), reflecting the increased demand for Express Entry candidates due to the program’s temporary pause. This draw demonstrates IRCC’s focus on selecting individuals with the strongest profiles and potential to contribute to Canada’s economy.

Path to Permanent Residency Reopens:

The resumption of Express Entry draws provides a much-needed opportunity for skilled workers and international graduates to access permanent residency in Canada. This draw signifies IRCC’s commitment to fulfilling its ambitious immigration targets and welcoming skilled newcomers who can contribute to the country’s ongoing success.

Significant Impact on Aspiring Immigrants:

This draw brings the total number of ITAs issued in 2023 to 99,971, exceeding the entire number issued in 2022 (45,115). This significant increase reflects IRCC’s efforts to address labor shortages and achieve its record-breaking immigration target of 465,000 for 2023.

Next Steps for Candidates:

Individuals who received an ITA in the December 6th draw have 60 days to submit their applications for permanent residency. IRCC aims to process all applications within the standard six-month timeframe.

Looking Ahead:

With the resumption of Express Entry draws, IRCC is expected to continue conducting regular rounds of invitations in the coming months. This will provide a crucial pathway for skilled individuals around the world to contribute their talents and expertise to Canada’s thriving economy and diverse society.