Canada to reduce the COVID-19 measure allowing Express Entry candidates 90 days to apply

Express Entry candidates will only have 60 days from the date they receive their invitation to submit their application for permanent residence.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced they are reducing the COVID-19 measure allowing Express Entry candidates 90 days to apply for permanent residence, starting June 29.

In March 2020, IRCC extended the application period as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was to allow immigration applicants to have more time to prepare their documents. It was needed as there were many service disruptions and travel restrictions.

IRCC states that the return to the 60-day timeframe will allow them to process a higher volume of applications.

There are still some measures in place for applicants who are affected by COVID-19 related restrictions. The measures are for those who have not yet applied for Canadian immigration, those who are still in processing, Confirmation of Permanent Residency (COPR) holders, and more.

Please note that Express Entry candidates who were invited to apply before June 29, 2021, will still have 90 days to submit their application. The measure is in place for Express Entry candidates who will receive invitations starting June 29, 2021.

IRCC initiated the 60-day application period back in 2018. The IRCC had reduced the time from 90 days after finding that just less than sixty percent (60%) of applicants applied within the first two (2) months.