Immiboards ― Express Entry draw 176 created a record in Canadian immigration history by inviting 27,332 candidates for permanent residence in a single draw on February 13, 2021.
IRCC invited candidates from the Canadian Experience Class program on February 13, 2021.
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut off was set at just 75 points. In comparison, the previous CEC draw had a cut off of 454 points.
Below candidate would have received an invitation:
- qualifies under the Canadian Experience Class program
- candidate has created an Express Entry profile
- has a minimum score of 75 points
The tie-break date and time for this draw was September 12, 2020, at 15:31:40 UTC
Now we know why IRCC skipped a CEC draw after the last PNP draw on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. Based on past trends, a PNP only draw is usually followed by CEC draw the very next day.
However, this time there was no CEC draw on the next day. There were speculations of an upcoming draw in a few weeks from now. IRCC has surprised everyone with this draw on a Saturday.
Canada started the Express Entry system in 2015. IRCC has never invited more than 5000 candidates in a single draw.
Express Entry Draw 176 sends out a clear message to international students and reaffirms what minister Mendicino recently said in a recent press release:
…..Our message to international students and graduates is simple: We don’t just want you to study here, we want you to stay here.”
—The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Why Express Entry draw 176 invited 27,332 candidates?
The draw clearly shows Canada’s intent to retain international talent currently working in Canada.
With an eye on post-covid economic recovery, it is highly likely that we may see bigger draws in the first half of the year.
This draw will also help Canada stay on course for the current year’s immigration target of 401,000 immigrants as per 2021-2023 Canada immigration target.
Canada may need more such invitation rounds in the current year to meet the goal realistically. Hence, we can expect more such draws.
Canada aims to welcome 108,500 newcomers through the Express Entry managed programs in 2021, 110,500 in 2022 and 113,750 in 2023.
Facts released in a press release underline the importance of immigrants and immigration for Canada’s economy.
There are currently three Canadian workers for every retired Canadian, but by 2035, there will be only two workers for every retiree. Hence, there is a need of immigrants.
Without immigrants to help support an ageing population’s needs, younger Canadians will pay more per person to provide the same benefits. By the early 2030s, Canada’s population growth will rely exclusively on immigration.
With this draw, Canada has invited 37,986 candidates so far via Express Entry in the current year.
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