IRCC conducted a category-based selection Express Entry draw of 2023 and extended invitations to 1,500 candidates. On August 3rd, the first-ever targeted category-based selection for applicants in the trades was held. Applicants needed a minimum CRS score of 388 to qualify.
Earlier this month, on August 1st, IRCC launched a new targeted draw aimed exclusively at individuals with experience in trades such as carpentry, plumbing, and welding. Moreover, this program seeks to attract more skilled people to Canada’s flourishing construction industry.
Summary of the latest Express Entry outcomes
August 2nd
In Canada’s latest Express Entry draw of 2023, French speakers were targeted as IRCC invited more candidates. On August 2nd, 800 individuals with French language proficiency were issued invitations to apply, with a minimum required CRS score of 435.
August 1st
Express Entry lotteries resumed on August 1st, inviting 2,000 applicants across all programs, with a minimum CRS score requirement of 517. Since July 11th, this day has marked the first thorough Express Entry draw.
July 11-12
IRCC issued invites for permanent residency to 3,800 people under a category-based selection draw that prioritized candidates who spoke French, with the year’s most lenient minimum CRS criterion of 375.
Additionally, 800 candidates were invited to an all-program draw on July 11 and were required to have a minimum CRS score of 505.
July 4-7
A significant milestone in the history of Express Entry was reached during the first week of July when ITAs were distributed on four consecutive days.
On July 4, a surprise all-program draw was held, inviting 700 applicants. This draw’s required minimum CRS score of 511 is the highest of all all-program drawings in 2023.
On July 5, the IRCC held a category-based pre-announced selection draw with a focus on candidates having experience in STEM subjects. Since the categories were first presented on May 31, this occasion marked the first drawing for STEM candidates. A minimum CRS score of 486 was needed, and 500 individuals in all were invited.
The IRCC extended invitations to 1,500 candidates after the draw on July 6 as expected, with a minimum CRS of 463. Furthermore, the second issue for this category was made specifically for healthcare workers in this category-based selection draw.
On July 7, a total of 2,300 invitations were sent to Express Entry applicants. They have to demonstrate strong French language proficiency and met the minimum CRS criteria of 439. Moreover, fluency in French is the only category-based selection factor that cuts across job categories.
June 27-28
Two draws were held by the IRCC during the last week of June. As well as, 4,300 applicants with a minimum CRS score of 486 participated in the first draw, which was placed on June 27.
The category-based selection invitations then made their appearance the following day. As well as 500 individuals with work experience in particular healthcare occupations were asked to participate in this round. Hence a minimum CRS score of 476 was required.
Express Entry – What is it?
The Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program are all managed through Express Entry. It functions as an applicant management system. Furthermore, the Express Entry pool candidates go through a thorough assessment. It takes into account important human capital variables like work history, occupation, language ability, educational accomplishments, and age. Each candidate receives a CRS score that places them in relation to the other candidates in the pool. Significantly, people with high CRS scores have a higher chance of receiving coveted invites to apply for Canadian permanent residency.
Moreover, starting May 31, the IRCC implemented fresh category-based selection criteria that prioritize diverse attributes beyond solely a high CRS score. This modification introduces six novel categories for Express Entry candidates:
- Strong French-language proficiency
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- Healthcare
- Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Transport
Additionally, these chosen areas are intended to alleviate Canada’s severe labor shortages and promote the usage of French outside of Quebec.
