In 2021, Canada's Express Entry system is poised to play a pivotal role in the country's immigration strategy, aiming to meet ambitious targets set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This article delves into the specifics of the draws conducted so far, the implications for future immigration flows, and the strategic importance of the Express Entry system in achieving Canada's immigration goals.
On October 30, 2020, IRCC unveiled its Immigration Levels Plan for 2021-2023, setting an unprecedented target to welcome over 1.2 million new permanent residents over the three years: 401,000 in 2021, 411,000 in 2022, and 421,000 in 2023. These figures represent a significant increase compared to previous years, underscoring Canada's commitment to immigration as a key driver of economic growth.
The 2021 target for economic class immigration, which includes skilled workers, business people, and caregivers, is set between 153,600 and 208,500. To put this into perspective, using 2019's data as a baseline, achieving the 2021 target requires issuing approximately 100,604 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), an increase of 15,304 ITAs from 2019. This adjustment is indicative of Canada's strategic shift to bolster its workforce and economic recovery post-pandemic.
As of early 2021, IRCC has conducted several Express Entry draws, focusing predominantly on candidates from specific immigration programs such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Here's a breakdown of the draws:
These program-specific draws reflect a targeted approach to address particular labor market needs or regional demographic goals. Notably, the absence of all-programs draws, which consider candidates from all Express Entry programs, marks a shift in strategy. The average Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cutoff for the last five all-programs draws was 471.2, as of December 23, 2020.
The first all-programs draw of 2021 will be a critical indicator of the CRS score threshold and the volume of ITAs that can be expected for the rest of the year. Stakeholders and prospective applicants should monitor these developments closely, as they will significantly influence the landscape of Canadian immigration in 2021.
Canada's Express Entry system in 2021 is at the forefront of the country's ambitious immigration agenda. With a clear emphasis on economic class immigration, the system is set to facilitate the entry of a diverse and skilled workforce essential for Canada's economic resilience and growth. As the year progresses, the outcomes of subsequent draws and the adjustments in policy and CRS thresholds will be crucial in shaping the effectiveness of the Express Entry system in meeting Canada's immigration targets.
For more detailed information on the Express Entry process and how it fits into Canada's broader immigration framework, visit Canada's Immigration and Citizenship and Express Entry System.
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