The express entry draws were halted from Dec. 2020.

This increased the waiting period for probable immigrants to receive their permanent residentship by two years.

Earlier this month, Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allowed 1,500 candidates to apply through the restarted entry draw system, mint reported.

Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said, “Today, I am pleased to announce that Express Entry draws have officially resumed and applications will be processed at our six month processing standard.

“I want to thank the candidates from around the world for their patience, as we worked to reduce the backlog before resuming Express Entry draws. I look forward to welcoming skilled workers who will be essential in addressing Canada’s labour shortages."

A significant rise in job vacancies has been witnessed in scientific & technical services, construction, transportation and warehousing, entertainment and recreation, real estate, finance and insurance, mint reported.

(Reporting by Suman Das)