Changes to Express Entry.
Canada’s biggest economic immigration program, express entry, has seen some dramatic changes over the last few weeks.
Effective as of April 30, 2020, Canada has increased its immigration processing fees. This increase is the first on scheduled increasing moving forward. The next increase will follow in 2022.
The following fee increase took place:
Principal applicants for non-business economic classes, this includes express entry and provincial nominee programs. Fees increased from $550 to $825.
Fees for principal applicants of business classes (start-up visa, self-employed, etc.) increased from $1050 to $1575.
Fees for spouses or common-law partners of all economic classes increased from $550 to $825.
Fees for dependent children of all economic classes increased from $150 to $225
The right of permanent residence fee increased from $490 to $500.
Aside from the fee increases, the program has been wildly impacted by the hit of COVID-19 with express entry draws for the federal skilled worker class (FSW) coming to a complete halt. It is not clear how long FSW candidates will be ineligible to receive invitations, with the last draw on March 4, 2020. We will continue to post updates as they become available.
There has been plenty of action for Canadian Experience Class candidates (CEC) and those with provincial nominations. CEC specific draws have seen the CRS scores drop significantly for the first time since last year. Who doesn’t love a picture to show you what we mean.
The good news is all applications are continuing to process, and IRCC has made it clear they will not refuse applications if applicants are unable to provide all of the necessary documents due to COVID-19. You must provide an explanation of why the documentation is missing, and we also recommend providing evidence of your attempts to obtain it. I.e. if you scheduled a medical exam with a panel physician, but this was cancelled, include it in your application with your explanation letter.
Despite the restrictions and special measures put in place, Marco Mendicino, Canada’s Immigration Minister, said the federal government remains committed to welcoming newcomers to Canada to support the country’s economy and recovery from COVID-19.