The latest Express Entry draw for immigration to Canada has taken place, bringing with it the joint-lowest CRS ) cut-off threshold of all time. A total of 3,687 candidates in the Express Entry pool — each of whom had at least 415 CRS points — received an ITA to apply for permanent residence on May 17, 2017.
Since the closing months of last year and into 2017, draw sizes have increased manifold, and the CRS threshold has decreased from 468 (January 4) to the most recent level of 415. The last occasion in which the threshold reached 415 was last month, on April 19. In the intervening period, another draw with a threshold of 423 took place on May 4.
Invited candidates are now in a position to submit an application for permanent residence, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to process applications within six months — a target that has been met in the vast majority of cases. Therefore, many of the individuals invited this week, plus their accompanying families, could be living in Canada before the end of 2017. For others, the big move may take place next year, as IRCC gives a window of 12 months for successful applicants to complete their landing in Canada.
Express Entry is now the main driver of economic immigration to Canada.
While there may be another draw, or draws, over the next few weeks, candidates who have family or relatives with Permanent residency or citizenship in Canada will benefit collecting 15 more points.. For the first time, candidates with a sibling in Canada may obtain additional points, as will candidates with proven French ability.
