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Over the last six months, the Express Entry draws have served as significant landmarks in Canada’s immigration system. These draws have provided substantial opportunities for skilled workers aspiring to live and work in Canada, contributing to its diverse and prosperous economy.
In the first half of 2023, the Canada Express Entry system has seen a significant rise in the number of invitations distributed to eligible candidates. With Canada’s commitment to welcoming immigrants and addressing labor market shortfalls, Express Entry draws in 2023 have reconfirmed their crucial role as a pathway for skilled immigrants to secure permanent residency in Canada.
2023 Express Entry Draws: Comprehensive Breakdown
The pattern of Express Entry draws in Canada has been somewhat unique throughout 2023.
While the two Express Entry draws conducted in January adhered to a pre-pandemic pattern of inviting all-program candidates biweekly, February saw three program-specific Express Entry draws, with the February 2nd draw marking the first program-specific draw for FSWP candidates.
March saw four draws conducted by the IRCC, inviting over 21,000 candidates to apply for Canada PR, the second-highest number of ITAs issued in a single month in Express Entry history.
The pattern of one all-program draw every fortnight, similar to pre-pandemic times, resumed in April with two draws in total. May also witnessed two Express Entry draws, one for Provincial Nominee Program candidates and the other for all-program candidates.
June hosted three invitation rounds, including the inaugural Category-Based Express Entry draw.
Here is a summary of the draws conducted in 2023 so far.
| DRAW | DATE | NO. OF INVITATION | MINIMUM CRS POINT |
| 252 | June 28 | 500 | 476 *Category-based selection |
| 251 | June 27 | 4300 | 486 *No Program Specified |
| 250 | June 08 | 4800 | 486 *No Program Specified |
| 249 | May 24 | 4800 | 488 *No Program Specified |
| 248 | May 10 | 589 | 691 *Provincial Nominee Program |
| 247 | April 26 | 3500 | 483 *No Program Specified |
| 246 | April 12 | 3500 | 486 *No Program Specified |
| 245 | March 29 | 7000 | 481 *No Program Specified |
| 244 | March 23 | 7000 | 484 *No Program Specified |
| 243 | March 15 | 7000 | 490 *No Program Specified |
| 242 | March 01 | 667 | 748 *Provincial Nominee Program |
| 241 | February 15 | 699 | 791 *Provincial Nominee Program |
| 240 | February 02 | 3300 | 489 *Federal Skilled Worker |
| 239 | February 01 | 893 | 733 *Provincial Nominee Program |
| 238 | January 18 | 5,500 | 490 *All Program Considered |
| 237 | January 11 | 5,500 | 507 *All Programs Considered |
Category-Based Express Entry Draws
Recently, Canada’s Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser, has introduced category-based selection rounds for candidates applying through the Express Entry system. The goal of these draws is to attract more skilled workers in particular professions in high demand in Canada.
The IRCC is confident that by focusing on individuals with strong French language skills or work experience in critical sectors such as Healthcare, STEM professions, Trades, Transport, Agriculture, and Agri-food, they can support Canada’s commitment to welcoming in-demand occupations nationwide.
The inaugural category-based Express Entry draw took place on June 28, 2023, following the modifications to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in June 2022. These alterations allow the minister to select immigrants based on essential attributes that align with Canada’s economic priorities, making it an optimal time to immigrate to Canada.
Since the start of 2023, Canada has held consecutive Express Entry draws with a higher number of ITAs and unprecedentedly low scores in the CRS points calculator. In the first half of 2023, 16 Express Entry draws were conducted, issuing invitations to 59,548 candidates for Canada’s Permanent Residency. It’s clear that the Express Entry system will continue to be vital in Canada’s efforts to attract and retain skilled individuals globally.
Source: canada.ca
