Express Entry: Canada holds major draw inviting 5,956 immigration candidates

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, the CRS score falls to 380, the second lowest in 2021, as IRCC continues to recruit candidates living in Canada.

On May 31, Canada held a new Express Entry draw, inviting 5,956 candidates to apply for permanent residency.

Candidates with a minimum score of 380 were invited by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Candidates eligible for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class were targeted in the new draw.

The 2021 Express Entry draw was the third largest in history, with the second-lowest Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS). Previous draw records were also broken this year, with IRCC inviting a record 27,332 CEC candidates in a single February draw and 6,000 CEC candidates in two separate April draws.

In comparison to the previous CEC-only draw two weeks ago, Canada invited 4,114 more candidates today, with a 17-point lower score requirement. Canada also held a CEC draw three weeks ago, inviting candidates with scores as low as 401.

According to IRCC data dated May 6, approximately 95% of CEC candidates were in the Express Entry pool at the time. With the exception of a surprise draw on May 20, IRCC has held CEC draws every two weeks. In addition, the immigration department holds a draw every two weeks for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.

Despite the pandemic, Canada will continue to admit record numbers of new immigrants over the next three years. This year, 108,500 new immigrants are expected to enter the country through Express Entry-managed programmes. So far, 74,773 Express Entry candidates have been invited to apply for permanent residence by IRCC.

The large number stems from IRCC's historic February 13 draw, in which it invited every CEC-eligible candidate in the pool, a total of 27,332 people. In this draw alone, 23,877 invited candidates submitted applications before the 90-day deadline, according to an email from IRCC to CIC News.