In the world of Canadian immigration, the second quarter of 2021 set yet another record. Through the Express Entry system, Canada has invited 44,591 immigration candidates to apply for permanent residence.
The number of Express Entry candidates invited this quarter surpassed the previous record of 44,124 set in the first quarter of 2021.
As of June 30, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) had issued a total of 88,715 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residents, breaking the previous record set in 2017.
Since the beginning of 2021, every single draw has been program-specific, with one Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw followed by a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw.
IRCC has done this in an effort to admit Express Entry candidates who are most likely in Canada, avoiding the difficulties that come with inviting candidates from other countries. According to IRCC data, approximately 95% of CEC candidates were in Canada in May. Approximately 30% of PNP candidates were in Canada at the same time.
IRCC held 14 draws in the second quarter, compared to 10 in the first. After inviting every CEC-eligible candidate in the pool, the department took a break from holding draws in the first quarter.
In addition, the draw sizes were larger. Aside from the massive draw on February 13, Canada began holding larger draws in Q2. Beginning in April, some CEC draws increased to 6,000 ITAs. In late June, a PNP draw surpassed 1,000 for the first time.
Express Entry in the next six months
As a result of COVID-19, Canada has focused its efforts on providing permanent residency pathways to immigration candidates who are already in the country. As a result, people would face fewer coronavirus-related challenges, such as service closures and travel restrictions in Canada.
Now, public health measures affecting travellers are being reversed. The 21st of June was a significant date for three reasons. One, the federal government waived quarantine requirements for exempt travellers who had received a full dose of one of the Canada-approved vaccines. Second, the list of exempt travellers has been expanded to include approved permanent residents. And three, the feds lifted the flight ban on direct air travel between Canada and Pakistan. Although the measure is still in effect for flights from India, it is scheduled to be reviewed by July 21.
Furthermore, Canada has already achieved the goal of partially immunizing more than 75% of its population over the age of 12. Over 22% of eligible Canadians have received all of their vaccines. By the end of July, the government hopes to have vaccinated 75% of the eligible population.
Throughout the pandemic, the Canadian government has emphasized the importance of immigrants in assisting with economic recovery. According to an IRCC report, nearly all Express Entry candidates find work within the first year of their arrival. The Express Entry system is specifically designed for skilled immigrants who can meet Canada's labour demand — and it's working.
This emphasises the importance of starting your Canadian process as soon as possible rather than later. Contact New World Immigration for a no-obligation, free eligibility assessment.