Should You Enter the Express Entry Pool Now? 5 Reasons to Say Yes (Even with a Temporary Pause in Draws)

Canada's Express Entry system is a highly competitive immigration pathway that allows skilled foreign workers, students, and recent graduates to immigrate to Canada permanently. While the system has been paused for several months, there are still several compelling reasons to enter the Express Entry pool now.

1. Increase Your Chances of Receiving a Provincial Nomination

One of the most significant benefits of entering the Express Entry pool is the increased likelihood of receiving a provincial nomination. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are run by individual provinces and territories in Canada, and they offer a fast-track route to permanent residency for candidates who meet their specific requirements.

Being in the Express Entry pool allows your profile to be visible to PNP officers, and if your skills and experience align with their needs, they may issue you a provincial nomination. This nomination will boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score by 600 points, effectively guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

For instance, the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) recently issued over 1,000 notifications of interest to Express Entry candidates who met the criteria for their Human Capital Priorities Stream. This demonstrates that even without regular Express Entry draws, provincial nominations continue to provide a viable path to permanent residency.

2. Be Prepared for Resumption of Express Entry Draws

While Express Entry draws have been temporarily paused, it's important to remember that they can resume at any time. By entering the pool now, you'll be ready to receive an ITA as soon as the draws resume. This will give you a significant advantage over candidates who haven't yet entered the pool.

3. Benefit from Lower CRS Score Requirements

In recent Express Entry draws, IRCC has invited candidates with CRS scores as low as 300. This is due to the introduction of category-based selection draws, which target specific occupations in high demand, such as healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture.

If you have skills or experience in these areas, you may have a better chance of receiving an ITA even with a lower CRS score. Entering the pool now will ensure that you're eligible for these draws when they resume.

4. Leverage the Canadian Government's Job Bank "Plus Account"

As an Express Entry candidate, you have access to the Canadian government's Job Bank "Plus Account." This account allows you to search for job opportunities in Canada and connect directly with potential employers.

Securing a job offer from a Canadian employer can significantly boost your CRS score by 50 or 200 points, making you more competitive in the ITA selection process. Being in the pool allows you to actively engage with potential employers and increase your chances of landing a job offer.

5. Position Yourself for Future Canadian Immigration Goals

The Canadian government has ambitious immigration targets for the coming years, aiming to welcome 465,000 permanent residents in 2023 and 500,000 per year in 2025 and 2026. This means that there will be more opportunities for skilled foreign workers to immigrate to Canada in the future.

By entering the Express Entry pool now, you'll be strategically positioned to take advantage of these future opportunities and achieve your Canadian immigration goals.

Conclusion

While the temporary pause in Express Entry draws may have raised concerns among potential immigrants, there are still several compelling reasons to enter the pool now. By doing so, you'll increase your chances of receiving a provincial nomination, be prepared for the resumption of draws, benefit from lower CRS score requirements, leverage the Job Bank "Plus Account," and position yourself for future Canadian immigration opportunities.

Entering the Express Entry pool is an investment in your future, and it demonstrates your commitment to pursuing a promising life in Canada.

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