The 8th Express Entry draw in Canada sent 4,250 invitations to eligible candidates in the recent all-program draw held on October 12, 2022. The draws under Express Entry resumed on July 6. Reportedly, IRCC sent 4,250 invitations to candidates with a minimum CRS score of 500 in the latest draw. Candidates were eligible to receive invitations under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, CEC, and the Federal Skilled Trade person. All of these are economic immigration programs classified under the Express Entry system.
All program draws under Express Entry had to pause for more than eighteen months in December 2020. This pause only allowed Provincial Nominee Program and Canadian Experience Class candidates. The application’s backlog occurred due to the travel limitations of Covid-19. Hence, IRCC even paused the CEC drew in September 2021.
After the draws resumed on July 6, a trend of lower CRS scores began. However, compared to the previous pandemic standards, the CRS remained above 500. The first draw recorded its CRS score of 557. However, the CRS score kept deteriorating, with each draw of at least eight to nine points.
With the reduction of the CRS score, the number of candidates receiving invitations continues to increase. This implies more candidates receive ITA’s under Express Entry.
However, unlike the first five draws, the recent draws on September 14 and 18 witnessed a six-point decline.
Execution of the new Immigration Levels Plan
The Immigration Levels Plan 2022-2024 aims to welcome 432,000 new permanent residents. Every year IRCC outlines a new immigration plan with a standard number of immigrants in Canada following the next three years. The immigration levels plan for this year has a target of receiving at least 55,900 new permanent residents via Express Entry. Canada received more than 28,000 new permanent residents through the Express Entry streams between January and August 31. The latest Immigration Levels Plan will release soon, by November 1.
Physicians get permission to apply under Express Entry
Physicians now have the permission to apply under Express Entry as temporary residents, provided they are currently residing and working in the country. Initially, Physicians faced eligibility issues because the healthcare system operates on an unusual model known as “fee-for-service.” This type of model largely varies from the one that is typical of the employee and employer relationship. Consequently, in the context of technicality, Physicians are primarily acknowledged as self-employed. Canadian work experience as a self-employed individual doesn’t contribute to an Express Entry application.
However, self-employment in Canada doesn’t tag the person as ineligible. The condition is that the self-employed individual possesses at least one year of complete work experience overseas or even if that person is a Canadian employee. If yes, he will become eligible under Express Entry.
Express Entry’s latest modifications
Express Entry introduced a measure for Physicians with their exemption from the requirement. Also, this new measure will extend up to 2023. BC-19 gained acceptance with Royal Assent in June by the Parliament. Moreover, this bill gave more control and power to IRCC to select Express Entry candidates based on particular work experience, occupation, and language skills without giving them more significance on a larger scale through their CRS scores.
Express Entry
Express Entry manages the online applications under the chief streams, including the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the FSTP. The Provincial Nominee Program candidates in the Express Entry pool also become eligible for any of these programs. A Comprehensive Ranking System operates under the Express Entry, providing scores to high-scoring candidates. These candidates receive an ITA for permanent residency.
The process continues with IRCC reviewing the application and taking a decision for its approval. The immigration officers might even request biometrics or any required document to comply with the application procedure.
Not to forget that the 8th Express Entry draw held recently had a lower score of 500.
