Maple News reports that Canada has once again surpassed its immigration targets through the Express Entry system, setting a new record in the second quarter of 2021. Between April and June, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 44,591 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence — the highest quarterly total ever recorded under the current Express Entry framework.
This new milestone outpaces the previous record set just three months earlier, in the first quarter of 2021, when 44,124 candidates received ITAs. By June 30, Canada had issued a cumulative total of 88,715 invitations for the year, positioning itself ahead of schedule in its ambitious goal of welcoming over 400,000 new immigrants in 2021 — the highest annual target in Canadian history.
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship immigration system for managing applications under three major Federal High Skilled programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). The system allows eligible foreign nationals to submit an online profile and enter a candidate pool, where they are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
The CRS awards points based on a variety of factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other human capital indicators. IRCC conducts regular draws to invite the highest-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residence.
In 2021, Express Entry is expected to account for the largest share of Canada’s economic immigration intake, with a target of 108,500 newcomers arriving through its managed programs. Despite the challenges posed by global travel restrictions and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian government continues to modernize and expedite its immigration pathways to support economic recovery and address labor shortages.
Canada’s sustained commitment to high immigration levels is a strategic effort to counter aging demographics, support population growth, and fuel economic development. The consistent rise in ITAs reflects IRCC’s focus on selecting skilled talent efficiently while maintaining immigration standards and integrity.
As the second half of 2021 unfolds, experts anticipate continued momentum in Express Entry draws, particularly for candidates who are already residing in Canada or have strong ties to the labor market. The federal government’s streamlined digital processing and increased draw sizes signal ongoing confidence in immigration as a key pillar for long-term prosperity.