In the latest Express Entry draw of 2023, the thirteenth one was conducted by IRCC. A total of 4800 candidates were granted invitations to apply. To be qualified, a minimum of 488 CRS scores are required.
A notable aspect of this draw is that it was the first all-program draw since April 26. It means candidates were considered from all three Express Entry programs FSWP, CEC, and FSTP.
The previous draw took place on May 10 and was specific to PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) candidates, who were also nominated by a Canadian province. An invitation to apply was sent to 589 candidates in that draw.
Canada’s Express Entry in 2023
For the entire year of 2023, no pattern has yet emerged regarding the frequency, size, or type of candidates invited by Express Entry.
Applicants for each program were invited to participate in draws every two weeks as part of the pre-pandemic pattern. This changed in February when the IRCC conducted four draws for certain programs. Additionally, the first draw for the FSWP program was conducted in February.
February’s draws occurred three times, while March’s draws occurred once a week. Approximately 21,000 invitations were sent out throughout March. A record number of ITAs were issued in a single month under Express Entry.
Since April, one all-program draw per two weeks has been held as part of the pre-pandemic schedule.
Later this year, IRCC is expected to start organizing drawings to focus on Express Entry candidates rather than those with high CRS scores. Upon obtaining Royal Assent in June 2022, Bill C-19 made this possible.
By addressing persistent labor shortages in particular industries, the Immigration Bill will permit Canada’s immigration minister to choose applicants who will contribute to the country’s economic goals.
The timing, program selection, the number of candidates, and minimum CRS cut-off score for Express Entry draws are entirely determined by the discretion of IRCC and the immigration minister. The IRPA does not impose any regulations regarding when draws should take place, or which programs should be included. The number of candidates to be invited, or the minimum CRS cut-off score to be set. There is no obligation for IRCC to adhere to a specific pattern or even conduct draws at all unless it is deemed necessary by the minister.
Express Entry – An overview
Under the supervision of the Express Entry application management system, three Canadian economic immigration programs are regulated: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
CRS is used to evaluate candidates within these programs. Various human capital factors are considered when calculating individual scores, including language proficiency, education, work experience, occupation, and age. Permanent residency invitations are more likely to be received by individuals with higher CRS scores.
Using express entry, Canada aims to admit over 82,000 highly skilled immigrants by the end of 2023. It is outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025.
