Trend continues: Express Entry ITAs at new high, CRS lower

Just as Matkowsky and Associates predicted, the CRS score continues to trend lower as a result of the rule change announced in November, 2016.

The Canadian government invited 3,664 candidates to apply for Permanent Residence in this latest draw, which takes place every 2 weeks. The CRS cut-off selection score this draw was 447 points.

The last 5 draws saw the number of invitations increase each time, along with lower CRS scores.

Canada's plan for 2017 will increase the number of Skilled Workers by 22% this year compared to 2016. This increase along with the CRS scoring rule changes are the main drivers for

these lower scores.

Foreigners outside of Canada are the main beneficiaries of this rule change as it has made the scoring more equitable. Most foreign workers in Canada will now only receive 50 points for having a job in Canada (with an accompanying work permit) vs 600 points previously. Foreigners who are under 40, have at least a Bachelors degree and advanced English or French language skills (IELTS 6+) have an excellent chance of getting PR in Canada through the Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trade categories.

To be eligible to apply under the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trade or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), candidates must have at least 1 year of continuous, full-time job experience (or 2 years part-time) in a skilled job or trade (that is defined by NOC 0, A or B jobs)

If you have skilled work experience and would like to calculate your CRS score to see if you would be a strong candidate for PR, use our Express Entry CRS Calculator.

Candidates with CRS scores above 435 would be excellent candidates for PR under Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trade category. If you are interested in applying for Permanent Residence in Canada under one of these categories, please contact us for assistance.

If you have a score below 430, you still may be eligible for PR under a PNP program.

PNP Programs

Each province in Canada is looking for candidates with skilled job experience to fill labour shortages in their province. The list of occupations vary from province to province, depending on their needs. If you are granted a PNP nomination, you most likely will be able to find a job since you are granted a PNP for a job category where their is a shortage of your skill set.

Currently, these occupations are eligible to apply for PR under a PNP program. If you are granted a PNP, you will get 600 points added to your Express Entry score and you are guaranteed PR in Canada (subject to medical exam and criminal background check).

To be eligible to apply under one of the job categories listed below, your education and/or job experience must match their NOC description. Click on each job title to read the job descriptions.

If you have job experience in one of the categories below and you are interested in applying for Permanent Residence in Canada, please contact us for assistance.

Aerospace

Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors

Agriculture

Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists

Managers in agriculture

Engineers

Civil Engineers

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Computer Engineers

Drafting Technologists and Technicians

Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians