Post-pandemic, IRCC has disrupted the traditional pattern of Express Entry draws, abandoning predictability. Despite draw pauses, actively participating in the Express Entry pool is crucial. Candidates benefit by staying prepared for unpredictable draws, maximizing their chances for permanent residence in Canada. Understand The significance of joining the Express Entry pool despite draw pauses.
Since October 26th, Express Entry drawings have been suspended. The IRCC has not given a definitive reason for this action. It is imperative to acknowledge that there exist strong incentives for prospective applicants to proactively engage with the Express Entry pool. Prospective immigrants can profit from smart entry and preparedness for future draws despite the inexplicable pause.
The significance of joining Express Entry pool despite draw pauses
Even so, there are a lot of strong reasons for you to consider applying for the Express Entry program.
Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs
If you meet the requirements, you can join the Express Entry pool, significantly increasing your chances of being granted permanent residence in Canada. A province may indicate interest in your profile within the pool and invite you to submit a provincial nomination. In essence, making this nomination guarantees that you will eventually receive an ITA for permanent residency in Canada.
In the Express Entry CRS, a province nomination is extremely important and adds 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score. The CRS evaluates candidates based on criteria such as age, education, employment history, and language ability.
It is evident that there is a correlation between a better CRS score and a greater chance of acquiring an ITA. As such, applying strategically to the Express Entry pool is essential to obtaining permanent residence in Canada.
Almost all provinces and territories run their own Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), with at least one Express Entry-aligned immigration stream. One example is the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP), which actively searches the Express Entry pool for applicants who might fit the requirements for one of the province’s particular Express Entry immigration streams.
Ontario’s surge in NOIs signals immigration opportunities
One recent instance is the 1,052 Notifications of Interest (NOIs) that Ontario sent out on November 30th to applicants who might be qualified for the province’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream. Based on a combination of suitable work experience in one of the 42 targeted healthcare occupations and a CRS score between 404 and 430, these individuals were chosen. Provinces are showing how to strategically use the Express Entry pool by taking the initiative and matching with particular streams to meet local immigration needs.
Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities stream sent out NOIs to over 15,000 candidates in 2023, marking a significant increase from the approximately 4,000 that were sent out in 2022. These alerts have primarily targeted people with a background in technology or health-related fields.
This large increase in NOIs highlights an important point: even with the temporary suspension of Express Entry applications, prospective immigrants can still effectively apply by actively participating in the Express Entry pool.
As governments like Ontario are issuing an increased number of NOIs, those in the pool have the opportunity to be nominated by a province. By strategically placing themselves at the front of the line when Express Entry generates resumes, individuals can apply for permanent residence in Canada more quickly.
Invites to apply extended to candidates with reduced CRS scores
There may be fluctuations in the CRS score cut-offs when Express Entry draws resume. Sometimes, the IRCC has held draws with incredibly low CRS cut-offs. According to data from the Canadian government collected between January and September 2023, approximately half of the Express Entry applicants who obtained ITAs had CRS scores between 451 and 500.
Express Entry has recently attracted specially chosen applicants with CRS scores in the 300s, marking significant changes. Category-based selection draws mostly associate lower CRS ratings, demonstrating the dynamic nature of the Canadian immigration system.
Earlier this year, Express Entry introduced category-based draws, inviting individuals with significant job experience or excellent French language ability to apply for permanent residence.
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Healthcare
- Transport
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
In comparison to program-specific and general Express Entry draws, the broader range of candidates in these categories under category-based selection accommodates a bigger pool, which leads to lower CRS scores.
Furthermore, immigration is increasing at a rapid rate in Canada. With the admission of 437,000 new immigrants in 2022, the nation broke records.
The government has set a goal of admitting 465,000 individuals as permanent residents in 2023. Canada intends to further raise its annual intake, with targets of accepting 500,000 immigrants annually in 2025 and 2026, as described in the Immigration Levels Plan 2024–2026.
As immigration targets increase, Canada aims to invite applicants with lower CRS scores to apply for permanent residency, aligning with the goal of providing opportunities for a wide variety of immigrants.
Enhanced job bank account by the Canadian Government
A benefit of joining the Express Entry pool is having the ability to create a “Plus Account” on the Job Bank website run by the Canadian government. With the help of this tool, you can investigate possible work prospects, which may increase your chances of receiving a job offer from Canada.
Getting a job offer from Canada is quite valuable because it can add 50 or 200 more CRS points. This substantial point bump significantly increases your chances of receiving an ITA. If you are successful, receiving a job offer eases the process of moving to Canada and makes it easier for you to integrate into the Canadian workforce.
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