Canada To Accept Express Entry Applications from July 6

Canada’s Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced Tuesday that the country will remove its last pandemic-era immigration limitation and resume Express Entry draws on July 6.

The Canadian government restricted immigration when the coronavirus pandemic erupted 18 months ago.

Fraser made the announcement on Twitter and solicited applications under Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class.

Faser’s announcement comes as Canada struggles to deal with severe processing delays.

As of 6 June 2022, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) had a 2.4 million-person backlog.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau formed a new task committee to deal with delays last month.

The Canadian government is extending work permits for international students whose permits expire between 20 September 2021 and 31 December 2022.

Faser said these students will get an 18-month open work visa under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP).