The Canada Government held the first draw of 2019 for Federal Express Entry. The draw was held on January 10, 2019.

A total of 3,900 ITAs (Invitations to Apply) were issued in this draw. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for this draw was 449. This was the lowest cut-off score used this year.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) used the ‘tie-break’ method to select candidates. The ‘tie-break’ is a method of choosing candidates with the same CRS score. It ranks candidates based on the time their profile was submitted. The candidate whose profile has been in the pool longer gets priority.

Candidates who received an ITA have a maximum of 60 days to submit their application for Canadian permanent residence.

Candidates, who wish to apply for Express Entry, must be eligible in one of the following categories:

• Federal Skilled Worker Class,
• Federal Skilled Trades Class and
• Canadian Experience Class.

Eligible candidates receive a score (Comprehensive Ranking System or CRS) and are ranked accordingly. ITAs are issued to higher ranking applicants in the draws.

In 2018, a total of 89,800 ITAs were issued. For 2019, the IRCC has set a target of 81,400 ITAs. It is evident that the Canadian Government is trying to invite more candidates to apply for Permanent Residency. The prospects for Canadian Immigration are growing every day. This makes it an ideal time to consider moving to Canada as a Permanent Resident!