Express Entry
Looking to build a future in Canada? Here's a relevant update for Express Entry hopefuls. Source: Don MacKinnon/AFP

From now onwards, candidates of the Canadian Express Entry online immigration system must submit their application within 60 days after receiving their invitation. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) had previously extended the application period to 90 days during the pandemic, giving candidates more time to get their documents in order.

IRCC has rolled back this measure as of June 29. However, an official release states: “Clients who were invited to apply through Express Entry before June 29, 2021, will still have 90 days to submit their application for permanent residence.” This means every candidate invited in the previous Express Entry draw is not affected by this latest measure.

Express Entry

Canada’s large, frequent Express Entry draws are attracting talents from all over the world to work and live in the Great White North. Source: Brendan Smialowski/AFP

Why this is good news for Express Entry candidates

A shorter application period may sound like bad news for candidates, but there is a silver lining to it. According to IRCC, the return to the 60-day timeframe allows it to process more applications, thus speeding up the immigration process for thousands of candidates. One of them might be you.

Plus, IRCC history shows that two months is sufficient time to submit an Express Entry application. IRCC first reduced this period from 90 days to 60 days back in 2018, following a finding that 57% of Express Entry hopefuls applied within two months.

Despite the pandemic, Canada is determined to grow its population through various skilled and in-demand immigration programmes. As detailed in the Immigration Levels Plan, these efforts will collectively attract 400,000 new permanent residents to work and live in the country by 2023. IRCC is holding larger draws with flexible measures to achieve this goal.

Express Entry is Canada’s flagship application management system for key economic immigration programmes, including the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Programme, Federal Skilled Trades Programme, and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Programme. The fortnightly CEC draw invites candidates who are eligible for permanent residence to submit their applications, which are based on the Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS).