The 2nd Express Entry invitation round of 2023 occurred on January 18, 2023. IRCC issued 5,500 ITAs to eligible candidates, with a minimum score of 490 under the Comprehensive Ranking System. The recent Express Entry invitation round of this year wasn’t program-specific. Qualified candidates received invitations to apply under the Federal Skilled Trades Program, FSWP, and the Canadian Experience Class. These three programs are the primary programs functioning under the Express Entry system.
2nd Express Entry invitation round
Moreover, the latest draw occurred unexpectedly within two consecutive weeks. On January 11 (last Wednesday), IRCC conducted an all-program draw and sent 5,500 invitations, with a CRS cut-off of 507. Currently, the CRS score is 490, which indicates a decline of 17 points compared to the previous draw. Before these two draws in 2023, the last one took place on November 23, 2022. Usually, IRCC conducts Express Entry draws once in two weeks. However, there is no justification for the pause of draws for a few months.
IRCC recently conducted two draws under Express Entry, making it quite evident that it seeks to invite skilled immigrants to Canada.
In 2021, Express Entry created a benchmark by issuing 10,000 ITAs, and now a total of 11,000 invitations have already been sent to start afresh.
Usually, Express Entry tries to provide permanent residence within six months. Also, this is the fastest period for more than a hundred Canadian skilled immigration routes.
The expedited manner in which Express Entry marked the beginning of 2023 will likely be a significant year.
Express Entry – targeted categories by IRCC
Bill C-19 was accepted in June, and ever since, IRCC has continued to work on creating new categories for Express Entry programs.
The department is currently undertaking a new approach toward inviting candidates. However, this approach will be immensely different from the former one. Earlier candidates received invitations based on higher points under the Comprehensive Ranking System.
Recently, the department took the initiative to meet the stakeholders and the public to better perceive the shortage of skilled workers.
All candidates will have the chance to apply under the Express Entry system, irrespective of the category.
However, as and when the immigration minister gains certainty about the new categories, he will announce them before sending ITAs.
Possibilities related to the new categories under Express Entry
A candidate’s age, occupation, language proficiency, education, and work experience fall under the possible Express Entry categories.
Additionally, Sean Fraser stated that considering all these attributes will further contribute to Canada’s economic objectives. This also implies that the country will have the opportunity to invite candidates who would rather bridge the gap of the existing labor force.
Furthermore, now the Express Entry draws might be conducted by targeting candidates with considerable work experience. However, the work experience must hold relevance to a specific in-demand occupation.
Moreover, IRCC is likely to develop more categories enabling international students in Canada to gain permanent residency using Express Entry. However, this is specific to students holding a diploma or degree in an in-demand profession from a DLI.
Next, even temporary residents are likely to fall under the new category. This is because temporary work experience in Canada helps people contribute immensely to the labor market. Additionally, they’re easily able to utilize their skills whenever required for the betterment of Canada.
Also, French-speaking immigrants might benefit in case of invitations because the government is striving to solidify the bilingual requirement of Canada. The government also seeks to bridge the labor market gap in areas where occupations demand French speakers.
Express Entry invitation rounds- a summary
Express Entry candidates can access the three chief programs: CEC, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and FSTP to apply for PR. On the other hand, Provincial Nominee Program candidates with their profiles in the Express Entry are, by default, eligible to enter the pool.
Generally, the Express Entry system uses a point system under CRS as it ranks the profiles of the candidates. Next, the candidates holding superior ranks receive invitations to apply. Hereafter, they proceed to apply for permanent residence.
Once the candidate submits their PR application, the immigration officer reviews it and determines whether it can be approved. Once the officer approves it, the candidate holds permanent residency, aligning him toward a path of Canadian citizenship.
