Are you seeking reasons to join the Express Entry pool despite a brief pause? All this is because of the break between the Express Entry draws, as IRCC doesn’t follow any fixed pattern of conducting them.
IRCC has yet to organize a single draw since October 26, and there have been no justifications behind it. However, that shouldn’t stop anyone from entering the Express Entry pool.
Reasons to join the Express Entry pool despite a brief pause
The following reasons are sufficient for you to join the Express Entry pool, even if there is no draw taking place:
Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program
Participating in the Express Entry pool, specifically if you fulfill the eligibility requirements, is advantageous because it will automatically strengthen your chances of Canadian immigration. Remaining in the Express Entry pool might also help you attain a provincial nomination if a province feels interested in your profile. A provincial nomination further implies that you will acquire an ITA for permanent residence in Canada.
A provincial nomination holds the utmost significance under the Comprehensive Ranking System of Express Entry. This is primarily due to the candidate receiving an additional score of 600 points. Besides, CRS offers positions to candidates based on several factors. These typically mean age, education, language skills, work experience, etc. Generally, this implies that if a candidate has achieved a higher CRS score, he will indeed have greater chances of obtaining an invitation to apply.
Each province or territory in Canada functions through its distinct set of Provincial Nominee Programs. Each PNP has a minimum of one stream that is in sync with Express Entry.
Ontario Streams
For instance, the OINP stream conducts a thorough search for Express Entry candidates in the pool. They evaluate whether any of the candidates can meet the requirements of Ontario Express Entry streams.
Besides this, Ontario issued 1,052 notifications to express their interest in candidates who might qualify for the Express Entry Human Capital Stream of Ontario on November 30.
Candidates even obtained a nomination if they had their CRS scores between 404 and 430. Also, if they possessed work experience in any of the 42 targeted healthcare professions.
In 2023, Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream also sent interest notifications to more than 15,000 candidates. Conversely, in 2022, there were only 4,000. Most candidates who received these notifications of interest belonged to health or tech occupations.
This shows that despite the brief pause in the Express Entry draws, continuing to be in the Express Entry pool offers you a chance to obtain a provincial nomination.
This also implies that as soon as the draw resumes, you might even be among the few individuals who will receive a nomination early.
ITAs for candidates having reduced CRS scores
Express Entry draws might continue anytime soon, and the CRS scores could be anything. IRCC has even organized draws with really low CRS score cut-offs.
Around 50 percent of Express Entry candidates acquired a CRS between 451 and 500. This information by the Canadian government is between January and September 2023.
However, in the previous few months, Express Entry draws have acquired invitations with CRS scores above 300. On the other hand, Category-based selection draws generally have had reduced CRS scores.
Initially, Category-based Express Entry draws took effect in the first quarter of 2023. These draw issued ITAs to those with stronger French language skills and work experience to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence. The categories are as follows:
- STEM occupations;
- Trades – Contractors, Carpenters, and Plumbers;
- Healthcare;
- Transport; and
- Agriculture and Agri-Food
The category-based selection primarily aims to increase the number of candidates due to the diverse range of candidates. As a result, this will enable CRS scores to be lesser than general Express Entry draws and program-specific draws. Moreover, the Canadian immigration target levels are increasing. In 2022, Canada set a new record of 437,000 admissions. However, in 2023, the immigration target for PR admissions is 465,000. The Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026 depicts that Canada’s objective is to aim for 500,000 new immigrants every year.
Candidates having reduced CRS scores will have greater chances of obtaining an ITA for Canadian PR. This is only possible due to Canada’s goal of welcoming higher immigration targets.
Job Bank’s Plus Account – Another reason to join the Express Entry pool despite a brief pause in draws
Another advantage of remaining in the pool of Express Entry is that it offers you an opportunity to develop a Plus Account. This account exists in the Job Bank of the Canadian government. Doing so will permit you to access appropriate job options. In addition, these job opportunities further enhance your chances of acquiring a job offer in Canada.
A Canadian employment offer might lead to 50 or an additional 200 CRS points. Obtaining these scores will eventually heighten your chances of receiving an ITA. Getting an ITA and a job offer will help you quickly settle in Canada and integrate well into Canada’s labor market.
If you still have questions related to Canada Express Entry, you can access all relevant details through Make Home Canada’s immigration consultants. Write to us at [email protected]
