Top 5 All Time Express Entry high in Canada

Canada Express Entry issued the fifth most invitations to apply (ITAs) in the first three months of 2020, and the most ever for the first quarter since 2017, given the effect of the coronavirus pandemic.

Figures show 22,600 ITAs of 2020 issued in January, February and March through seven draws, eclipsed the ITAs of the total draws in 2018 and 2019 but fall short of the 24,652 ITAs released in 2017.

The quarter also featured Express Entry's biggest draw in history, with 4,500 ITAs issued on February 19 draw.

These are encouraging trends that Canada is keen to achieve the immigration target it has set for 2020.

First quarter draws of 2020:

Just five all-program draws were seen on the first quarter of 2020. Amid restrictions placed in place by the federal government in response to Coronavirus, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), in the latter part of March conducted two program-specific draws targeting provincial applicants and Canadian Experience Class candidates.

In the three draws held in March 2020, 7800 ITAs were released by the IRCC showing that Canada is committed to achieving the immigration goals outlined in the 2020-2022 Immigration Level Plan, considering the special measures placed in place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Express Entry candidates invited to apply for permanent residence in the first quarter of 2020 were more than in the first quarters of the two previous years.

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores:

Although in recent draws the needed CRS was marginally higher, it should be noted that it has been much more stable as well. From week to week, the previous four years saw extreme variations in CRS, but 2020 has hovered around a score of 470.

Candidates may be troubled about having to score more points to qualify for citizenship in Canada, but the consistency in the CRS scores gives them a clear target when submitting their applications.

The message is clear: you have a far better chance of getting an ITA if you can get your score into the 470's. It means candidates will no longer miss chances to increase their CRS score, and should seriously consider making an attempt while in the Express Entry pool to increase their score.

Future Express Entry draws:

Though it is difficult to predict when the next Express Entry draw will take place in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, the recent draws in March is an indication that Canada is determined to continue with its immigration program.

Canada has measures in place to put the Canadian economy in a strong position and on the path to recovery once the Coronavirus pandemic is managed. Immigration will remain a key component of the economic recovery.