If you’re following immigration news, you might have noticed that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has had a busy week with Express Entry draws. In the latest, 1,000 candidates with French language proficiency received Invitations to Apply (ITAs). Let’s break down what’s happening and what it could mean for you.
A busy week for Express Entry
The most recent draw required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 444. This came after two earlier draws this week. First, IRCC invited 1,613 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates who needed a score of at least 743. Then, on October 9, there was a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw for 500 candidates with a score of 539 or higher.
The focus on French-speaking candidates in this draw highlights IRCC’s commitment to addressing labor market needs, particularly in areas outside Quebec where French speakers can contribute to community growth and integration.
Why so many draws?
Before the latest entry, the previous Express Entry draw was on September 19, inviting 4,000 Canadian Experience Class candidates with a CRS cut-off of 509. It seems IRCC is ramping up the number of ITAs to meet its immigration targets. The increase in draws may be a strategic response to the growing demand for skilled labor across various sectors in Canada, as the country aims to recover and thrive post-pandemic.
Since July, IRCC has been focusing heavily on Canadian Experience Class candidates, sending out 21,800 ITAs. The aim seems to be bringing more people already living and working in Canada into permanent residency. This approach helps meet labor needs and supports the integration of individuals who have already acclimatized to Canadian life, making them valuable additions to the workforce.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s system for managing economic immigration applications. It covers three programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Express Entry pool candidates are assigned a CRS score based on factors like work experience, education, age, and language skills. Higher scores increase your chances of receiving an ITA in a draw. In May 2023, IRCC introduced category-based selection draws. These focus on candidates who can fill specific workforce needs. There are six categories:
- Healthcare
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Trades
- Transport
- Agriculture and agri-food
- French language proficiency
