The Express Entry draws 2023 will select candidates based on specific factors rather than the total CRS score. Reportedly, Bill C-19 came into existence with the Royal Assent on June 23, making it possible to implement the recent Express Entry changes. According to this Bill, the immigration minister can control the selection of candidates, specifically those with in-demand skills or potential.
Sean Fraser even revealed during an interview that the new Express Entry changes would enable Canada to select candidates contributing to its economic growth and success.
The immigration minister further revealed that even though Express Entry gives an added advantage to the country, there is still scope for improvement.
Furthermore, he discussed that there is a scope for improvement for Express Entry at present, especially if there are any underlying economic challenges that might affect it in the future.
Moreover, according to IRCC, this Bill will allow Canada to select candidates based on new criteria, aligning more with the specific economic objectives outlined by Fraser.
Express Entry Draws 2023- what about the invitations?
Currently, there is no information available on the fact that who will be receiving ITAs during targeted draws. Sean Fraser said he will meet stakeholders, provinces, and business councils to determine the category of candidates who will receive invitations.
The new authority of the immigration minister implies that Express Entry candidates will receive invitations based on their economic requirements and existing labor shortages.
For instance, in October, the healthcare sector witnessed a job vacancy rate of 6 percent. Therefore, the Canadian government is taking several initiatives to fill employment vacancies in this sector. Overall, the government tried to remove the existing barriers for Physicians (having international training experience) and already residing in the country. The next big measure was to introduce the Foreign Credential Recognition Program. It is estimated that future Express Entry draws might target professions in the healthcare sector to fill urgent job vacancies at a faster rate.
The change in the Express Entry system
Overall, Canada is currently facing a crisis amidst an acute labor shortage due to reduced birth rates and an aging population meeting its retirement age.
Expectedly, around 9 million Canadians will be reaching their retirement by 2030. Consequently, looking at the current prospects, there won’t be enough eligible Canadians to fulfill the higher vacancy rates. Hence, Canada is excessively dependent on immigration to strengthen its workforce and economy.
In order to retain its workforce to a normal level, the new Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025 will work on fulfilling its target of welcoming at least 500,000 new permanent residents by 2025.
Moreover, more than 110,000 permanent residents will enter Canada via Express Entry.
Express Entry’s working process- a brief
Express Entry manages immigration applications online under its three primary economic class programs, including the Federal Skilled Workers Program, FSTP, and Canadian Experience Class.
Since Express Entry came into existence in 2015, it has evaluated candidates based on the score they receive under the Comprehensive Ranking System. They obtain the CRS score based on factors such as education, work experience, language proficiency, and other human capital factors such as their age or family members already residing in Canada.
Overall, candidates receive points for each of the above factors. However, their total CRS score has to be higher to successfully receive an ITA during an Express Entry draw.
In the case of targeted draws, IRCC is still firm on insisting candidates fulfill all eligibility criteria for each program. However, the candidates will no longer receive an invitation to apply based only on their CRS score. The draws will cater to candidates possessing the necessary work experience, education, and language proficiency.
