During the latest Express Entry Draw, a total number of 543 candidates have received ITAs, for Canadian immigration. This relates to a unique strategy, utilized for the first time in the history of Express Entry system. Mainly the candidates belonging to two specific groups received an invitation to apply.

Minimum Scores Under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) laid down two minimum benchmark scores within their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). These minimum score slots are as under.

• 400 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 199, received ITAs in the Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC)
• 143 candidates having a minimum CRS score of 775, under provincial nomination program, also managed to receive ITAs.

Category-Specific Draws

These candidates are capable of submitting their application for Canadian immigration. It is a fact that “category-specific draws” are not new to the Express Entry system. After the launch of Express Entry system in 2015, Canadian government managed to conduct only two such draws, where specific candidates received their exclusive invitations.

The February 20, 2015, draw invited candidates of Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Whereas, November 30, 2016, draw invited those candidates, who applied for provincial nomination certificate. Nevertheless, this happened for the first time that FSTC candidates received ITAs on a specific basis. Moreover, two different minimum CRS score requirements were also observed.

Receiving an ITA Through Express Entry Draw

With a view to receiving an ITA through Express Entry draw, each individual must fulfill certain eligibility criterion of any one of these three immigration programs.

·         The Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC)

·          Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC)

·         Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Once the candidate enters the pool, he/she receive a CRS score depending on certain factors such as civil education, work, language ability, status information, experience and so on. This particular score assigns them a specific ranking in their pool. The candidates with highest-ranking receive ITAs during periodic draws, conducted by IRCC. After receiving ITAs, these candidates can submit an application for obtaining Canadian immigration.