What are the Benefits of Joining the Express Entry Pool Amidst Temporary Draw Suspensions?

Since the onset of the pandemic, the conventional rhythm of Express Entry draws has undergone shifts. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) no longer adheres to a predictable draw schedule.

With no draws held since October 26th, IRCC has not disclosed the reasons for this hiatus. Nonetheless, there are compelling reasons to contemplate entering the Express Entry pool.

Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs:

Participating in the Express Entry pool, if eligible, enhances your prospects of immigrating to Canada successfully. While in the pool, a province might express interest in your profile, leading to an invitation for a provincial nomination. This nomination virtually guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence.

A provincial nomination is a key factor in Express Entry’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), granting candidates an additional 600 points. The CRS assesses candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.

Higher CRS scores increase the likelihood of receiving an ITA:

Nearly every province and territory operates its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), aligning with Express Entry. For instance, Ontario’s Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) seeks candidates in the Express Entry pool for its immigration streams.

Despite the pause in Express Entry draws, candidates can still receive provincial nominations, positioning them among the first to apply for permanent residence when draws resume.

Invitations to Apply for Candidates with Lower CRS Scores:

Express Entry draws may resume with various CRS score cut-offs. Recent draws have included candidates with lower CRS scores, especially in category-based selection draws for:

• Healthcare
• Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
• Trades (e.g., carpenters, plumbers)
• Transport
• Agriculture and agri-food

These categories diversify candidate selection, allowing for lower CRS scores compared to program-specific and general draws.

With Canada’s increasing immigration levels, candidates with lower CRS scores have more opportunities to be invited to apply for permanent residency.

Being in the Express Entry pool enables you to create a “Plus Account” in the Canadian government’s Job Bank. This provides access to job opportunities, potentially increasing your chances of securing a Canadian job offer.

A Canadian job offer can earn you extra CRS points, improving your chances of receiving an ITA and facilitating a smooth transition into Canada’s labor market.