Express Entry Update: Canada issued 4,200 invitations to immigration candidates

Today, September 2, 2020, Canada held its 162nd Express Entry draw, the 29th draw of 2020 which brings the total number of Invitations To Apply (ITAs) this year to 69,950. The total number of invitations issued for this draw was 4,200 to candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores of 475. Candidates from all Express Entry programs were eligible for this round of invitations.

Express Entry is the online application system that manages applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. Newcomers play an important role in Canada’s prosperity as they help create jobs and strengthen our economy. Through the Express Entry, Canada is able to continue to attract the best and brightest candidates.

Every year, Canada set its annual target for immigration that helps distribute the benefits of immigration across the country. Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2020 is 341,000 new permanent residents. This number will continue to increase to 351,000 and 361,000 in 2021 and 2022 respectively. The immigration target breaks down the admission numbers for economic, family, refugee and protected persons, and humanitarian and other immigration categories. For 2020, the economic category has the biggest allocation of 57.42% of the total target or 195,800 permanent residents. The second largest category is the family class at 26.7% or a total of 91,000 permanent residents this year. Another 14.6% or 49,7000 goes to refugees and protected persons; and humanitarian and other category will account for 1.3% or 4,500 permanent residents for the year. Despite the current COVID-19 pandemic, Canada is still working towards its immigration targets for 2020.