On February 13, 2021, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the 176th Express Entry draw to invite 27,332 applicants to the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Applicants only required a minimum CRS score of 75 points. It is being considered the largest Express Entry Draw ever!
It also has the lowest ever CRS requirement in history! Previously, on May 16, 2017, applicants to the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) with a CRS score of 199 received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.
The IRCC had reportedly used the tie-breaker rule where applicants with the same CRS score were invited based on when they submitted their application.
Applicants who submitted their Express Entry profile before September 12, 2020, at 15:31 UTC received the ITAs.
Why Was This Such a Large Express Entry Draw?
The unprecedented Express Entry draw reflects the IRCC’s aim to meet the new immigration targets for the next 2 years.
Canada announced that it aims to welcome over 401,000 new immigrants in 2021, the majority of which will come from the Express Entry system.
Take a look at our regularly updated Latest Express Entry Draw Updates and our Canada PNP Draw Updates.