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Immigration Update

Express Entry Update

On January 6th, 2021, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued the first round of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system for the 2021 year.

This week’s draw invited only candidates who have received a nomination from a Canadian province or territory. The minimum score selected was 813, and 250 candidates were invited to apply. Candidates who receive a provincial or territorial nomination are awarded 600 additional points under Canada’s Express Entry system, essentially guaranteeing that they will be selected to apply to the federal government for permanent residence through Express Entry.

Each Canadian province and territory has their own unique set of immigration programs through which applicants can apply for nomination. Many provincial nomination programs require the applicant to have ties to the province, such as a job offer, previous work experience or post-secondary education. However, some provinces including Ontario, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan also target international applicants who have skills and experience currently in demand in the provincial labour market.