The government of Canada has issued 3,400 innovations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence in a new Express Entry draw held on Wednesday, January 22nd.

The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required to qualify for the latest draw was 471, down from the 473 cut-off point from the last draw held on January 8th.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the department that runs the Express Entry program, has not issued a Toal of 6,800 ITAs in 2020, and has set a total of 85,800 ITAs through Express Entry in 2020.

Foreigners participating in the Express Entry draw are ranked based o the CRS score, which is based on factors such as the applicant’s age, education, skills level, work experience, proficiency in English or French, family ties to Canada, among others.

In order to qualify for the Express Entry pool, candidates must first meet the eligibility requirements for one of Canada’s three Federal High Skilled Economic-class immigration categories - the Federal Killed Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class, and Canadian Experience Class.

Several draws are held each year, with those selected in each draw being required to submit an application for Canadian permanent residence within 60 days.

The government completes most applications that have all required supporting documents in 6 months or less. Those granted permanent residence are eligible to move, work and live in Canada permanently along with their spouse and children.

Click here to participate in the Express Entry program or to learn more information about the program.