Maple News reports that on July 22, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 4,500 invitations to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates through its Express Entry system. With a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 357, this draw matched the second-lowest cut-off in the history of CEC-specific rounds.
To be eligible, invited candidates needed to meet the criteria for the Canadian Experience Class and have submitted their Express Entry profiles before February 14, 2021 at 09:04:15 UTC, based on the tie-break rule that prioritizes earlier submissions when candidates score the same.
This draw follows a previous invitation round that also selected 4,500 CEC candidates, but with a higher cut-off score of 369. The only draw with a lower score took place on February 13, when IRCC issued invitations to all CEC-eligible candidates in the pool — over 27,000 individuals — with a historic low CRS score of 75.
Due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada has focused on inviting candidates under the Canadian Experience Class and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These groups are more likely to already be living in Canada, thereby avoiding the complications of international travel restrictions.
As Canada begins to scale back pandemic-related border measures, more changes are anticipated. The country will reopen to fully vaccinated U.S. travelers in August, followed by other international travelers in September. However, direct flights from India remain suspended until at least August 21.
IRCC has set an ambitious goal to welcome 401,000 new permanent residents in 2021, with approximately 25% of them expected to arrive via Express Entry pathways. So far, Canada has extended nearly twice as many Express Entry invitations compared to the same period last year—largely driven by the unprecedented February 13 draw.
Notably, CRS requirements vary significantly between PNP and CEC draws. Provincial Nominee Program candidates automatically receive an additional 600 points, inflating their scores. In contrast, CEC candidates compete solely within their category, which allows the IRCC to set lower score thresholds.
Canada’s strategic focus on in-country candidates ensures continued immigration progress despite global uncertainty—an approach that reflects both flexibility and commitment to meeting its immigration levels plan.
Maple News will continue to track updates on Express Entry rounds and immigration policy changes as they unfold.