Last week marked a significant moment for hopeful immigrants as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) rolled out 1,490 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in an expansive Express Entry draw. This particular draw, happening on February 13, was open to candidates across all Express Entry-managed programs, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement of 535.
Express Entry, Canada’s premier system for managing immigration applications, encompasses three key economic programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
This draw’s CRS score threshold left many wondering: what does it take to secure an ITA? Let’s explore fictional examples to illustrate the potential profiles of successful candidates.
Understanding Express Entry Eligibility
Before diving into examples, it’s essential for all candidates to verify their eligibility for the FSWP, FSTP, or CEC through dedicated IRCC webpages. Only eligible candidates can enter the Express Entry pool and potentially secure an ITA for permanent residency in Canada.
Profiles That Shine in Express Entry Draws
To bring the criteria to life, here are fictional profiles of FSWP candidates that would have likely received an ITA in the recent draw:
Elena from Poland
- Age: 28
- Education: Bachelor’s degree and an additional diploma
- Canadian Education: No
- English: High proficiency
- French: Moderate proficiency
- Work Experience Abroad: 2 years
- Canadian Work Experience: 1 year
- Marital Status: Single
- Canadian Siblings: Yes
- Provincial Nomination: No
- Canadian Job Offer: Yes, in a senior managerial role
- CRS Score: 661
Joel from the USA
- Age: 32
- Education: High school diploma
- Canadian Education: No
- English: Perfect scores
- French: Minimal proficiency
- Work Experience Abroad: 6+ years
- Canadian Work Experience: None
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse’s Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Spouse’s Canadian Work Experience: None
- Provincial Nomination: Yes
- Canadian Job Offer: No
- CRS Score: 919
Nadine from South Africa
- Age: 24
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Canadian Education: No
- English: Perfect scores
- French: Good proficiency
- Work Experience Abroad: 2 years
- Canadian Work Experience: None
- Marital Status: Single
- Canadian Siblings: Yes
- Provincial Nomination: No
- Canadian Job Offer: Yes, not in a senior managerial role
- CRS Score: 543
Making the Cut for an ITA
The fictional profiles above demonstrate a range of factors that can contribute to a successful Express Entry profile, such as a mix of educational qualifications, language proficiency, work experience, and familial connections in Canada. Joel’s profile, in particular, benefited immensely from the provincial nomination, which significantly boosts the CRS score.
Securing Your Spot in Express Entry Draws
For those eyeing an ITA in future Express Entry draws, these examples underline the importance of a well-rounded profile, from education and work experience to language skills and provincial nominations. Understanding the criteria and how to optimize your profile is key to success in Canada’s competitive immigration landscape.
