The first half of 2023 is one of the most intriguing periods in Express Entry history.
Express Entry has exhibited some unpredictability as it sought to reintegrate itself after a pause caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that lasted for several months.
The draws for Express Entry resumed their pre-pandemic patterns and took place every two weeks on Wednesdays after the all-program draws were reinstated in July of the previous year. With each draw, the number of candidates selected increased in a predictable manner, while the CRS score slightly decreased.
However, the beginning of 2023 brought about a less predictable situation after an unexpected break of six weeks. The first draw of the year on January 11 invited 5,500 candidates. It was a larger number of applicants than in any single round in 2022.
In March, three consecutive draws had 7,000 ITAs, and on May 10, 589 ITAs. Since then, draw sizes have fluctuated, reaching highs of 7,000 ITAs in three consecutive draws.
Express Entry 2023 – Total number of ITAs
IRCC has already distributed a significant number of 58,849 ITAs in 2023. As well as it surpassed the 35,750 ITAs issued from July 6 to November 23, 2022.
During January 2023, two draws resulted in the distribution of 11,000 ITAs, followed by three draws in February that distributed 4,892 ITAs.
March witnessed the second-highest number of ITAs in the history of Express Entry, with 21,667 individuals receiving invitations through four draws. The only time this number was surpassed was during a single draw in February 2021. Where more than 27,000 individuals were invited to apply for permanent residence.
A pre-pandemic draw would be more akin to those in April and May. Two lotteries were conducted in April to invite 7,000 candidates, while two lotteries in May invited 5,389 candidates.
CRS scores
CRS minimum scores for the year have also fluctuated widely. On June 28, the first-ever category-based draw had the lowest CRS score of 476. On February 15, the PNP-only draw had the highest CRS score of 791. CRS cut-off scores in the range of 485 to 490 were common in other drawings over the past six months.
Different draw types probably contribute to the wide range of CRS scores. When a candidate is nominated by a province, their CRS score rises by 600 points. It means that drawn only open to PNP candidates usually have higher cutoff scores.
Express Entry 2023 – Draws Frequency
Express Entry draws are not subject to a predetermined schedule by IRCC. There is no set schedule for the draws, and the minister of immigration is free to invite as many applicants as he deems necessary each time.
A schedule for Express Entry lottery draws held by the IRCC predated the COVID-19 pandemic. And was held on Wednesdays every two weeks. In 2023, this has not always been the case.
For instance, there were three draws in February, the first two of which were held on February 1 and February 2, respectively.
March saw four draws, held on March 1st, 15th, 22nd, and 9th. As a result, the IRCC resumed its schedule every two weeks, with the exception of the June 8 draw. It was widely expected to be held on June 7. As a replacement for June 21, the IRCC conducted an all-program drawing on June 27. Also, a healthcare worker draws on June 28. This two-draw event resulted in the issuance of 4,800 ITAs.
Draw types in 2023
All three economic immigration programs are considered in the Express Entry draw. It includes the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Although the majority of draws have included applicants from all Express Entry programs. Four draws have included only applicants from the Provincial Nominee Program. On February 2, the first-ever draw for the Federal Skilled Worker Program took place, while on June 28, the first-ever draw for categories occurred.
Previewing the Future: Anticipated Category-Based Selection and Other Significant Express Entry Advancements
In a May 31 announcement, the IRCC announced that category-based selection draws would begin later this summer. In discussion with provincial governments and other stakeholders, the new draw categories were determined to best help the Canadian economy.
Discussions led to the creation of six additional categories:
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Healthcare
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- Transport
- Strong French language proficiency
- Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
The Express Entry category-based selection process will send 500 invitations to healthcare professionals in the first round, Canada’s Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced on June 28. A further 1,500 people would be invited in the coming week, he said.
The IRCC announced on the same day that STEM applicants would be eligible for Express Entry drawings on July 5.
Under these new categories, IRCC will work to meet the immigration levels targets for the years 2023–2025 in accordance with the new categories. According to the minister of immigration, the categories support his mandate to increase francophone immigration, especially to minority communities outside of Quebec, as well as to strengthen Canada’s workforce through immigration.
In order to accomplish the target of 109,020 fresh admissions for permanent residency via the Express Entry program by 2024, the latter part of 2023 will hold significant importance. Considering the fact that the IRCC mandates a six-month processing period for permanent resident applications under the Express Entry programs, any invitations issued later this year may not be considered admissions until 2024.
Anticipated developments in Canadian immigration legislation and policies are expected to influence the Express Entry system. For example, on July 16, the IRCC will introduce a new open work permit for individuals with H-1B visas from the United States. These individuals, who already have an advantage in the pursuit of permanent residency through Express Entry, will have the opportunity to enhance their CRS score by gaining Canadian work experience.
The new Tech Talent Strategy, which Canada unveiled earlier this week, includes a plan to draw in additional H-1B visa holders. If tech employees decide to travel to Canada and work temporarily before joining the Express Entry pool. This technique will provide them with an advantage.
On June 27, the IRCC announced that it would provide holders of work permits additional freedom to pursue their education in Canada. As long as they enroll in an appropriate program. This will allow them to gain extra CRS points for studying in Canada.
