Maple News reports that 2021 marked a historic opportunity for skilled immigrants aiming to secure permanent residency in Canada through the Express Entry system. With a national target of welcoming over 401,000 newcomers that year, more than one-quarter were expected to arrive via Express Entry, making early application a strategic move for eligible candidates.
In a landmark move on February 13, 2021, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its largest-ever Express Entry draw. A staggering 27,332 principal applicants were invited to apply for permanent residence, all under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). What made this draw especially noteworthy was the exceptionally low Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score—just 75 points. This was the lowest in the program’s history and signaled an aggressive push by the Canadian government to retain talent already within the country.
Alongside CEC-specific draws, IRCC also focused on candidates nominated through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), reflecting a dual-pronged strategy to increase intake amid logistical challenges posed by COVID-19. The cumulative number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued by February 2021 had already tripled compared to the same period a year before.
Despite the unpredictably of draw patterns, the government’s commitment was clear: a target of 108,500 admissions through Express Entry-managed programs. However, international travel restrictions posed a challenge to achieving these numbers. The immigration minister indicated that particular focus would be placed on providing immigration pathways for temporary residents already in Canada, including international graduates and temporary foreign workers.
For those currently in Canada, submitting an Express Entry profile early offered a competitive edge. While waiting for an ITA, candidates could improve their CRS score through updated language tests or obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Prospective applicants residing outside Canada were advised to prepare in advance, given that language tests and ECAs can take several months to complete. And although restrictions limited entry from abroad, the Canadian government signaled a future reopening by reaffirming its vaccination goals—aiming to provide vaccines to all residents willing to receive them by the end of September 2021.
Submitting an Express Entry profile is just the first step; once a candidate receives an ITA, they have 90 days to submit their complete application for permanent residency. IRCC aims to process complete applications within six months.
Maple News emphasizes that while the pandemic added layers of uncertainty to Canadian immigration, it also opened unprecedented doors for individuals already in the country. As such, eligible candidates were well-positioned to contribute to Canada’s population and economic growth goals by acting swiftly and strategically in 2021.