Canada holds 100th Express Entry draw

Canada recently held its 100th round of invitations to apply for permanent residency under the Express Entry immigration stream.Canadian visa passport

Since the stream was introduced in early 2015, more than 170,000 newcomers have been invited to apply for residency through the country’s flagship system for economic immigration. Express Entry aims to attract high-skilled workers who drive innovation and economic growth in Canada.

The program has grown steadily each year, inviting just 9,800 applicants to apply in its first year of operation, but growing to 65,420 invitations being issued in 2017.

This year, the number of Express Entry applicant appears certain to increase again. Up to 31st July 2018, 61,710 applicants had already been invited to apply for a permanent visa this year.

The program has also been successful in reducing visa processing times – one if the main aims upon its introduction. Figures show that 80 per cent of Express Entry applications are processed in six months or less.

Through express entry, applicants are awarded points based on a number of factors including age, language, skills and experience. Applicants can score up to 1,200 points.

To be chosen from the pool and invited to apply, you need to have one of the highest-ranking scores when Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada send out invitations.

Article published 26th September 2018