Canada conducted its fourth all-program Express Entry draw recently. IRCC sent 2,250 invitations to the candidates with a CRS score cut-off of 525. The all-program draw was non-specific which implies that Candidates of both the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Express Entry has proved to be a renowned program for skilled workers interested in Canadian immigration.
These all-program draws resumed on July 6; since then, 7,500 candidates have received invitations to apply. As observed, the invitations are increasing by 250 with each draw. There is a decline in the CRS score which has gone down by 8 or 9 points. 33 points have reduced the CRS score compared to the draw conducted on July 6 with a score of 557. The latest CRS score has also declined by eight points compared to the previous draw undertaken on August 3. Express Entry draws remained closed temporarily for 18 months. Only candidates of the Canadian Experience Class or PNP were able to receive invites for permanent residence. However, CEC draws were also stopped temporarily in September 2021. There was a break in the draws because IRCC received excessive applications in the wake of the pandemic. Also, Covid caused a gap in the smooth flow of travel and there was a closure of the Canadian borders.
Express Entry new changes to begin in 2023
Express Entry has new goals and target plans which will be implemented by 2023. The goal is to emphasize the skilled workers likely to benefit from bridging the gap in the labor market requirements. These could even include immigrants with French language skills outside Quebec. Canada is ready with a target of 55,900 permanent residents through Express Entry in 2022. The figure will only increase to an estimated figure of 111,500 toward the end of 2024.
Express Entry is highly beneficial for IRCC because its eligibility conditions ensure that only specific selected candidates will be issued invitations to apply. IRCC is committed to delivering its promise of following the standard processing time of six months.
Now, beginning in 2023, IRCC will focus majorly on specific skills and occupations. The department will not be dependent on the CRS score. This new step will bring forth only capable and highly skilled candidates who will contribute to the success of the Canadian labor market.
Fraser believes that the modifications in the Express Entry system have the primary objective for its newcomers to contribute significantly to the growth of the existing communities. He further discussed his expectations of increased revenue rates because people are aware of the current opportunities and take every chance of them while applying for PR.
Express Entry- a summary
Express Entry operates primarily with the three immigration streams in Canada. The three main streams are CEC, FSWP, and the Federal Skilled Trade Program. Candidates applying through the Provincial Nominee Program are already eligible for at least one of the three streams in the pool.
The Express Entry system works through the Comprehensive Ranking System based on points to rank candidates against one another and decide a standard cut-off to define eligibility. Candidates scoring high points will automatically receive ITAs and they can further apply for Canadian PR.
The decision will be finalized by the IRCC officer who will review the application for the same. He might further investigate by requesting additional documents and Biometrics for verification purposes. Completing the entire process and being approved by IRCC officials will take you closer to Canadian Citizenship as the approved candidate will become a permanent resident.
