In the summer of 2023, significant alterations have been introduced to Canada’s Express Entry application process. It impacts the selection of candidates for Invitations to Apply (ITAs). Explore the Express Entry analysis for 2023.
Even though Express Entry has been unpredictable recently, some patterns have emerged in recent weeks that could have an effect on the rest of the year.
Candidates with specific characteristics have been invited to participate in a category-based selection process this year.
The Express Entry process categorizes candidates into six groups based on the criteria they meet. Candidates in one category must have strong French language skills. In the other five categories, applicants must have occupation-specific work experience in:
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- Healthcare
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Transport
In accordance with IRCC, the new categories will assist Canada in increasing the number of new immigrants with jobs in high-demand industries. Assisting the immigration minister in promoting Francophone immigration to French-speaking minority areas outside of Quebec is also part of their responsibility.
Express Entry Analysis of 2023 – Different types of draws
It is anticipated that between 28% and 31% of Express, Entry ITAs will be awarded to applicants with recent STEM job experience.
According to the same report, 11-15 percent of Express Entry ITAs will be issued to candidates with French language proficiency, 9-12 percent to candidates with healthcare experience, 3-4% to candidates in trades, and only 1% to candidates in agriculture, agrifood, and transportation.
IRCC has launched several initiatives to attract talent in STEM fields as part of its new tech talent strategy. This year, 500 STEM applicants have received ITAs through the Express Entry lottery based on their category.
Several H-1B holders work in tech occupations, so Canada recently introduced open work permits for candidates with an H-1B specialty visa in the United States. In just two days after the program’s July 16 introduction, all 10,000 quotas were filled. When applying to the Express Entry pool later, people with open work permits and work experience in the computer industry may have an advantage.
There will, however, not be a category-based invitation process in all future rounds. Three distinct all-program drawings have been conducted since the IRCC implemented category-based draws. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) candidates are considered in draws involving all three Express Entry immigration programs. Candidates are chosen based on their overall CRS score rather than their work experience or French language skills.
Draws for specific programs may also remain. A candidate who has already been nominated through the PNP may continue to be accepted by IRCC through Express Entry.
Scores for the CRS will vary based on the program or category
Express Entry candidates are evaluated in comparison using the CRS, which takes into account elements like job experience, age, education, occupation, and language competency.
The required CRS score ranged in 2023, from a high of 791 in a PNP-only draw on February 15 to a low of 375 for 3,800 candidates who spoke French in a draw on July 12.
The CRS scores for category-based and all-program draws differ significantly. Since category-based selection began on June 28 and the highest category-based score is 486, the lowest all-program draw score of 505 is still 19 points higher.
No matter the program or category, candidates benefit by aiming for the highest CRS score. The IRCC places a strong emphasis on ranking and inviting candidates with better scores, even in category-based selection draws. Strong CRS scores increase eligibility for other draw types, depending on the order in which draws occur. A candidate who is qualified for a category draw may also be invited to participate in an all-program draw.
Immigration Levels for Late 2023
The Immigration Levels Plan 2023–2025, created by the IRCC, contains lofty targets for admissions of permanent residents. According to the plan, 114,000 new permanent residents will come to Canada through Express Entry in 2025 after 109,020 do so in 2024.
The target number for 2023 is 82,880, and the IRCC is on track after inviting 73,448 Express Entry candidates so far this year. In order to meet the higher 2024 targets. Additional ITAs may be granted to Express Entry candidates in the latter half of 2023. According to the six-month IRCC service standard for processing Express Entry applications. People who receive ITAs now may not be admitted until 2024.
Express Entry Analysis of 2023 – Looking ahead
The approaching months of 2023 are anticipated to retain a balance of draw kinds if the trends continue. A combination of both general and program-specific drawings will be included in this. Some of which will have higher minimum CRS scores and fewer ITAs available. There will also be draws for category-based selections with lower CRS scores. Even with a lower minimum CRS, the number of category-based invitations can vary.
