Latest Express Entry Draw of 2023

In a major development for immigration seekers, the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its thirteenth Express Entry draw of 2023, inviting a whopping 4,800 candidates to apply for Canadian permanent residency. This all-program draw signifies a positive step forward and opens up new possibilities for individuals aspiring to settle in Canada.

To be eligible for an invitation, candidates needed to achieve a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 488. The all-program draw encompasses candidates from three primary programs managed under the Express Entry application management system: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). This inclusive approach demonstrates Canada’s commitment to attracting skilled individuals from various backgrounds and occupations.

Prior to this all-program draw, the previous draw on May 10 focused on the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), where 589 candidates received ITAs. The PNP draw specifically targeted candidates who were already nominated by a Canadian province and had a presence in the Express Entry pool.

Throughout 2023, the Express Entry draws have followed a somewhat unpredictable pattern, with variations in the number of candidates invited, the frequency of draws, and the type of draw. However, it is worth noting that the year started with draws occurring every two weeks, inviting candidates from all programs. February witnessed a shift, with four program-specific draws taking place between February 1 and March 1. Moreover, February marked the first-ever program-specific draw for the FSWP, highlighting the Canadian government’s focus on attracting skilled workers.

March proved to be an exceptionally busy month, with three draws held in February and a draw each week in March, resulting in over 21,000 candidates receiving ITAs. This marked the second-highest number of invitations issued in a single month in the history of the Express Entry system.

In April, the draws reverted to the pattern seen prior to the pandemic, with the recurrence of one all-program draw taking place every two weeks. However, exciting changes are expected later this year, as the passing of Bill C-19 in June 2022 grants Canada’s immigration minister the authority to invite candidates based on specific attributes rather than solely relying on high CRS scores. This new approach aims to alleviate labor shortages in specific sectors and align immigration with Canada’s economic goals.

It’s crucial to understand that Express Entry draws are entirely at the discretion of IRCC and the immigration minister. The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act does not impose any rules regarding the timing, program selection, number of candidates, or minimum CRS cut-off scores for draws. Essentially, IRCC is not obliged to follow a specific pattern or even conduct draws if the immigration minister deems it unnecessary.

The Express Entry system administers three prominent Canadian economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Candidates in these programs are assessed using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns scores based on factors such as language proficiency, education, work experience, occupation, and age. Higher scores increase the likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.

As per the Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025, Canada has set a target to welcome more than 82,000 new permanent residents through the Federal High Skilled immigration program (Express Entry) by the conclusion of 2023.This commitment highlights the Canadian government’s emphasis on attracting skilled individuals to contribute to the country’s economic growth and cultural diversity.

In conclusion,

The recent Express Entry draw that invited 4,800 candidates to apply for Canadian permanent residency presents an incredible opportunity for immigration seekers. As the Express Entry system evolves and incorporates new selection criteria, potential applicants should stay updated and explore the possibilities of starting a new chapter in Canada, a country known for its welcoming nature and thriving economy.