In a remarkable update from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the fourteenth Express Entry draw of 2023 has commenced, setting the stage for an eventful month of immigration opportunities in Canada. With the issuance of 4,800 invitations in an all-program draw, IRCC once again reaffirms its commitment to attracting skilled candidates who align with the nation’s economic goals. Moreover, IRCC has introduced six new category-based selection criteria, paving the way for candidates with specific attributes to embark on a new journey.
The June Draw: A Gateway to Canada
In the first Express Entry draw of June, a substantial number of candidates received the coveted invitations. To be eligible, candidates needed to attain a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 486. It is important to note that this requirement represents a slight reduction compared to the previous draw on May 24, which demanded a minimum CRS score of 488. Comparatively, the minimum CRS score for the April 26 all-program draw was 483.
Introducing Category-Based Selection Draws
In an effort to diversify the applicant pool, IRCC has unveiled six new category-based selection criteria exclusively for Express Entry candidates. These categories are exclusively designed in keeping mind the specific attributes to meet the economic aspirations which include work experience in a particular industry such as transportation, agriculture, science, technology, and healthcare. The sixth category caters to candidates with strong French-speaking abilities, thereby emphasizing Canada’s commitment to linguistic diversity.
IRCC anticipates commencing category-based draws in the coming summer months, although an exact date has yet to be announced. Under this new system, Express Entry candidates who meet the category requirements will be evaluated and ranked, with invitations to apply (ITAs) extended to those with the highest scores. Additionally, IRCC will continue to conduct all-program draws and program-specific draws as needed, ensuring a comprehensive approach to immigration selection.
Express Entry Milestones in 2023
The most recent draw adds to an already impressive tally of candidates invited in 2023, totaling 49,948 individuals across 13 draws. This figure notably surpasses the number of invitations extended between July and November 2022. It is worth mentioning that all program draws were temporarily suspended until July 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a pause that affected 31,000 candidates.
Recapping Previous Draws
May witnessed two Express Entry draws, with the first occurring on May 10 as a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) exclusive draw, inviting 589 candidates. These candidates were already part of the Express Entry pool and received nominations from provincial governments. April featured two all-program draws, both inviting 3,500 candidates. The April 12 draw required a minimum CRS score of 346, while the April 26 draw set the bar at a minimum CRS score of 483.
March stood out with an impressive number of draws and candidates. Four draws in total invited a staggering 21,677 candidates, with three all-program draws each welcoming 7,000 candidates and one PNP-only draw extending invitations to 667 candidates. In February, four program-specific draws took place: three for PNP candidates and one for candidates in the Federal Skilled Worker Program. January saw two all-program draws, with each round inviting 5,500 candidates.
Understanding Express Entry
The Express Entry system was launched in 2015 and since then this pathway has revolutionized Canada’s immigration approach by inviting high-skilled economic applicants to Canada. The system employs the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to assess candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Express Entry system evaluates candidates using a comprehensive ranking system (CRS) based on human-capital factors such as work experience, occupation, language proficiency, education, age, and other transferable skills and the highest CRS scores are most likely to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Future Outlook
As the year progresses, IRCC aims to transition from a heavy reliance on high CRS scores to a more dynamic approach, aligning the selection process with specific attributes that are in demand within Canada’s evolving economy. This shift will enable a more holistic evaluation of candidates, opening doors to individuals with diverse skill sets. IRCC’s recent Express Entry draw and the introduction of category-based selection criteria exemplify Canada’s dedication to attracting skilled immigrants who can contribute to the nation’s economic growth. With exciting opportunities on the horizon for candidates in targeted draws and a move towards a more nuanced evaluation system, the Express Entry program continues to pave the way for a brighter future in Canada.
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