In an unprecedented move, Canada invited every eligible Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidate from the Express Entry pool to apply for permanent residence in a single draw held on February 13. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 27,332 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), setting a new record and surpassing the previous high of 5,000 ITAs by nearly sixfold, Maple News reports.
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff score for this exceptional draw was just 75—the lowest ever recorded in Express Entry history. Though the average CRS score among invited candidates was 415, all applicants meeting CEC eligibility were included, regardless of their ranking. According to IRCC, the tie-break rule, which typically comes into play when multiple candidates have the same lowest CRS score, was not activated in this draw.
This historic draw is part of a broader strategy by Canada to prioritize candidates already residing in the country. With ongoing travel restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic and ambitious immigration targets—Canada plans to welcome over 400,000 new permanent residents annually—IRCC is focusing on domestic applicants to sustain economic growth and address labour shortages.
The Canadian Experience Class is designed for skilled workers with Canadian work experience. Eligibility requires at least one year of full-time, skilled work in Canada (or equivalent part-time experience), along with language proficiency and admissibility criteria. Candidates must also not intend to settle in Quebec, which manages its own immigration programs.
Around 90% of CEC candidates are typically already living and working in Canada. Although this is not a formal requirement, current border restrictions make it especially difficult for offshore applicants to qualify.
After receiving an ITA, candidates have 90 days to submit their permanent residence application. IRCC urges applicants to reassess their CRS points before proceeding—changes such as expired language test results, loss of a job offer, or altered family circumstances could lower scores below the cutoff, potentially risking refusal.
Applicants unsure of their updated score are advised to consider declining their ITA. Choosing this route returns them to the Express Entry pool for future consideration, though there is no certainty of another invitation.
This move illustrates Canada’s commitment to welcoming more immigrants and addressing critical demographic shifts and workforce needs. As the pandemic continues to reshape global mobility, Canada’s emphasis on homegrown talent ensures a robust and resilient immigration pathway for those already contributing to its economy.