The 2023 all-program Express Entry draw was held for the first time since November 23, 2022. IRCC sent 5,500 invitations to eligible candidates with a minimum score of 507 under the Comprehensive Ranking System. Besides this, qualified candidates received invitations through the Express Entry programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Person, and CEC.
After July 6, this Express Entry all-program draw occurred on a massive scale, with the highest number of candidates receiving ITAs. 750 additional invitations since the previous one, with a higher CRS score than the last one on September 28.
All-program Express Entry draw in 2022
In 2022, around 46,538 candidates received invitations to apply, and 23 draws took place. This figure includes Provincial Nominee Program’s invitations sent to candidates between January and July. The all-program Express Entry draws underwent a long pause for more than 18 months, which happened in December 2020. The pandemic-related travel prohibitions led to an application backlog. Also, during this temporary pause, only candidates under CEC or PNP received ITAs. However, later on, in September 2021, IRCC further extended the pause to Canadian Experience Class. The draws, which started again in July for Express Entry all-program draws, occurred throughout the year and accounted for 35,750 ITAs.
Additionally, the previous Express Entry draw had the least CRS score of 491.
The 2023 all-program Express Entry draw to undergo changes
In the latter part of 2022, Express Entry presented the changes that will occur in 2023. For instance, IRCC even went ahead by executing modifications related to the NOC 2016. It brought forth the new version of NOC, that is, NOC 2021. Essentially, the system of National Occupation Classification assesses an Express Entry candidate’s proficiency level and occupation.
The new NOC version brought about a major shift to the skill levels O-D based on TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities). Moreover, the new system introduced five TEERS, replacing the earlier O-E skills. Additionally, the new version also added 16 eligible occupations, making three previous ones ineligible.
Those candidates who already possessed Express Entry profiles under the pool received an invitation to shift to the updated NOC 2021. However, they had to update each job position mentioned in their profile. If candidates fail to update to the latest NOC version, they will not be liable to receive an ITA.
Now, Canada is ready to increase the number of candidates receiving invitations under the Express Entry programs per the Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025. Apart from this, in 2023, around 82,880 new permanent residents will emerge in Canada via Express Entry. However, the number will increase to 109,020 and 114,000 in 2024 and 2025. Furthermore, this will account for one-fifth of Canada’s PR goals. All these high figures demonstrate that Canada is highly dependent on immigration amidst the current labor shortage. Surprisingly, around 90 percent of workforce growth in this country is due to immigration, along with 75 percent of population growth.
A gist of Express Entry
The Express Entry system chiefly comprises three economic immigration programs the FSTP, FSWP, and Canadian Experience Class. Overall, this is a digital system handling all immigration applications. Additionally, PNP candidates with an existing Express Entry profile in the pool are, by default, eligible for any Express Entry programs.
Besides this, Express Entry ranks candidates based on points under the Comprehensive Ranking System. Also, candidates with higher CRS scores get an ITA enabling them to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence.
Once the candidate applies for Canadian PR, the IRCC officers start their verification process and determine the approval of the application. After completing this procedure and the application’s approval, the candidate obtains permanent residency in Canada. Furthermore, he also moves a step ahead to become a Canadian citizen.
