Maple News reports that on May 31, 2021, Canada held one of its most significant Express Entry draws to date, issuing 5,956 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. This draw specifically targeted candidates eligible under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), prioritizing individuals with recent skilled work experience in Canada and intermediate language proficiency.
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required in this round was 380 — the second-lowest of 2021. This not only marks a drop of 17 points compared to the previous CEC-only draw held two weeks prior, but also confirms Canada’s ongoing commitment to favor in-country applicants during the pandemic.
Express Entry, managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), continues to be a key pathway for skilled immigrants. The May 31 event was the third-largest Express Entry draw ever recorded. It aligns with earlier milestones, such as the unprecedented February 13 draw when all 27,332 CEC-eligible candidates were invited, and multiple April rounds that issued 6,000 ITAs each.
Since the beginning of 2021, IRCC has largely focused on CEC and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. This dual-track strategy reflects current travel restrictions, as candidates already living in Canada face fewer logistical hurdles in completing their permanent residence process. According to IRCC data from early May, 95% of CEC candidates in the Express Entry pool were already residing in Canada.
So far this year, IRCC has issued 74,773 Express Entry invitations, positioning the department well on track to meet its 2021 target of welcoming 108,500 new immigrants through Express Entry-managed streams. Despite the global health crisis, Canada remains committed to its ambitious immigration goals, aiming to attract over 400,000 newcomers annually through 2023.
It’s important to note that CRS score thresholds differ significantly between CEC-only and PNP-only draws. Candidates nominated by provinces automatically receive an additional 600 CRS points, pushing cut-offs much higher. In contrast, CEC-only draws allow for lower thresholds, resulting in wider access for skilled workers who have gained experience within Canada.
Maple News will continue to provide timely updates on all Express Entry developments, as Canada maintains its position as a leading destination for skilled immigrants around the world.