Canada determined to welcome immigrants
In February 2020, we saw the biggest Express Entry draw ever when Canada invited 4900 applicants to apply for permanent residence in Canada in a single draw. Then there came the pandemic and borders were closed. Surprisingly, the Canadian immigration department continued to select immigrants from it’s online Express Entry pool, albeit with a slightly modified strategy whereby they shifted their focus toward provincial nominee and Canada Experience class candidates. This was considered a smart move as most of the applicants under the provincial nominee and Canada Experience Class are believed to be already residing in Canada and do not require to enter the country from overseas. This strategy ensured that Canada continue to get the very vital supply of qualified immigrants and help it achieve its goal welcoming immigrants. Therefore, all Express Entry draws since March 2020 targeted only PNP and CEC candidates. However, this is also true that some PNP and CEC can date may be outside Canada. Realizing this, an all program draw was also held recently that invited Federal Skilled Worker Program candidates as well.
Canada has held 25 Express Entry Draws so far this year and invited 57,700 applicants to apply for permanent residence in Canada. The first half of 2020 in fact saw more applicants being invited in comparison to same time last year. Canada invited 49,900 applicants in first half of 2020 while the invitations were 41,800 for the same time in 2019.
There is no denying for the fact that Express Entry and other dreams will be key for Canada to attract global talent from all over the world. As we move into second half of 2020, a lot will depend on how the country controls the spread of COVID-19 as it has a direct impact on the decision to open its borders to foreign national and new immigrants. In the meantime, Canada as not ceased to accept and process application for permanent and temporary residents. Prospective immigrants should prepare and submit their applications to stand the chance of consideration instead of waiting. The virus is destined for eradication and we will all get through this together, and soon.
