Express Entry Program – Two Significant Draws in 2017

Since the Express Entry Program started in January 2015, there have been over 70 draws which have taken place. Applicants have seen the score range from over 1,000 points to a little over 410 points. May 2017 specifically brought about two significant draws in the history of the Express Entry Program.

On May 26, 2017, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 400 applicants from the Federal Skilled Trades Program, with a score of 199 points or higher under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), to apply for Permanent Residence. This has been the only draw targeted specifically towards applicants who are eligible under the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Similarly, on May 31, 2017, IRCC invited individuals with a score of 413 points or higher to apply for Permanent Residence. This is the lowest the score has ever been since the start of the program and both draws provided many applicants with a chance to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence.

Since May 2017, IRCC has never solely targeted applicants eligible under the Federal Skilled Trades Program, nor has the score ever dropped down to 413 points again. Many applicants who missed out on these rare opportunities to receive an invitation to apply (ITA) are now hoping that IRCC once again completes similar draws in the near future.

For further information regarding the Express Entry Program or any Canadian immigration matters, please contact pinaz@prmlaw.ca.