IMPACT – MEDIUM

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has reverted to a 60-day application period for foreign nationals who receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry program. IRCC temporarily increased the application window to 90 days last year as a way to alleviate COVID-19-related complications.

Key Points:

  • The application time frame reverted to 60 days on June 29. Express Entry candidates who were invited to apply before June 29 still have 90 days to submit applications.
  • IRCC said the 60-day time frame would help it process a higher volume of applications in an “expedited fashion.”

Additional Information: Express Entry candidates are ranked according to a Comprehensive Ranking System based on factors such as a job offer in Canada, education, work experience and language skills. Those selected are issued invitations to apply for permanent residency.

Facilitation measures remain in place for applicants unable to provide complete applications due to the ongoing pandemic.

BAL Analysis: Individuals do not need to take any steps to update their Express Entry profile but should be aware of the new deadline to apply for permanent residency if they receive an invitation to apply. Recently, cases are being processed faster, and the goal is to meet the targets for processing in 2021 that were not met in 2020.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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