In an effort to help more skilled workers stay in Canada and bolster our economic recovery, approximately 27,300 workers with Canadian experience received an invitation to apply for permanent residence today, February 13, 2021. These workers fall under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) of the Express Entry pool. Successful CEC candidates have at least 1 year of Canadian work experience, have proven that they can contribute to our economy and have paid taxes. 

Most notably, approximately 90% of CEC candidates are already living in Canada. This means they’re unaffected by current travel restrictions and won’t face the same barriers as overseas applicants when gathering the required documentation and undergoing criminality and medical screening. Those invited to apply who are not currently living in Canada will be able to travel once restrictions are lifted.

All travel restrictions for permanent resident applicants approved after March 18, 2020, remain in effect. IRCC will continue to accept and process Express Entry applications and looks forward to welcoming skilled workers from abroad when travel resumes.

(Source: IRCC)