Facts and details





The month of June was a record for the Express Entry system in Canada . During the first half of 2018, the growth in draw sizes was more by 36 percent.





In June EE candidates received 7,500 ITAs totally. This is in comparison to June 2017, when the total was 3,409 ITAs. The system has the task to manage the pool of candidates for three main economic immigration categories of Canada. These are the:









• Federal Skilled Worker Class,

• Federal Skilled Trades Class

• Canadian Experience Class





In the half year ending in June, after holding 13 draws, a total of 39,700 ITAs were issued through the EE system.





In first half of 2017 there was a series of highs and lows in the draw sizes, and also in the cut-off scores, . Furthermore, in the six months of 2018, the authorities maintained a steady and improving pace.





Moreover, a major development in the last six months was the introduction of draw sizes by I.R.C.C., which were the same in successive rounds. Subsequently, there was an increase by 250 or 500 every two months.





IRCC working toward augmented targets





In January, IRCC issued 2,750 ITAs in both invitation rounds. This was followed by two draws of 3,000 ITAs in February and again two draws of 3,000 in March.





On April 11th IRCC raised the number of ITAs to 3,500, and maintained it in the next three draws. It raised the limit to 3,750 ITAs in June.





Moreover, owing to the presence of high admissions targets set for 2018 and 2019, there was a likelihood that the first half of 2018 would be busy, in comparison to the record ITAs issued, in the first half of 2017. At that time 51,285 ITAs were issued and the CRS minimum score in the draw was 413.





In the initial months of 2018, there was a quiet but June has set a new record. One can hope that the succeeding quarter will be interesting and exciting.





Larger draws lower cut-off scores





The large draws also can have the effect of lowering the C.R.S. cut-off score in case they are held regularly. Here the number of candidates who enter the pool must not increase. This would indeed serve many aspirants in the pool who observe cut-off scores ranging in the 16-point bracket between 440 and 456 of January.





Some details





The draw held on May 30th was program-specific and issued ITAs to candidates belonging to FST . The score was low at 288 and provincial nominees receive 600 additional CRS points.





Additionally, holding quick draws allows less time to the pool to replenish, and lowers the cut-off CRS score. Equally, permitting more time between draws allows many candidates to enter the pool, and increases the cut-off CRS score. IRCC has used both these measures in the draws twice during 2018.





IRCC had three weeks period after holding all-program draws on February 21st and May 23rd. It had the effect of increasing the CRS minimum in the next draws held on March 14th and June 13th with 14 points and with 11 points, respectively.





Additional features





Moreover, after these draws, there was an invitation round on Monday, which reduced the interval, between two draws from 14 to 12 days. This short delay between rounds reduced the CRS minimum from 456 to 446 on March 26th and from 451 to 442 on June 25th.





When IRCC maintained two weeks between draws, and the draw size was similar, the CRS minimum was maintained at the same level or reduced by one/two points.





IRCC conducted a program-specific draw on May 30 and attracted FSTC candidates in the EE pool with a low score of 288, and for those who have a provincial nomination.





Deep into the pool





Patrick McEvenue, IRCC official in charge for Express Entry, said that IRCC is aware, of the way in which, talented people are below the cut-off scores, and they are planning to go deeper into the pool, to achieve good results.





Finally, owing to the large immigration target for 2018, as well as for the next year, and the overall plan to welcome one million immigrants between 2018 and 2020, the second half of the year, is worth watching. If IRCC goes deeper into the pool, it will be a welcome measure, and also help talented candidates, who are waiting for some good news.







