In the latest draw, the department issued a total of 5,900 Invitations to Apply in a category-based selection round tailored for candidates with professional expertise in STEM-related professions
In the latest draw, the department issued a total of 5,900 Invitations to Apply in a category-based selection round tailored for candidates with professional expertise in STEM-related professions
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada hosted its inaugural Express Entry draw, extending invitations to eligible candidates in a bid to bolster the country’s skilled workforce.
In the latest draw, which marks the third of the week, the department issued a total of 5,900 Invitations to Apply in a category-based selection round tailored for candidates with professional expertise in STEM-related professions, CIC News reported.
To qualify, candidates needed to attain a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 481.
The recent draws included a targeted invitation on Dec. 7, where 1,000 candidates with a CRS score of 470, possessing proficiency in French, were invited. On Dec. 6, 4,750 candidates with a CRS score of 561 were invited in an all-program draw.
Significance of recent draws
The draws mark the first Express Entry events in over a month, highlighting their importance in addressing skill shortages and bolstering Canada’s workforce.
The last draw, held on Oct. 26, invited 3,600 candidates with a CRS score of 431 in a category-based selection draw focusing on healthcare occupations.
Category-based selection overview
The category-based selection draws introduced in May this year aim to target candidates meeting specific criteria, such as proficiency in French or professional experience in key sectors, including healthcare, STEM professions, trades, transport, agriculture, and agri-food. These targeted draws are designed to address skill shortages in these crucial areas, impacting Canada’s economy, healthcare system, and supply chain.
Challenges and future plans
Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized the importance of admitting more skilled workers to alleviate shortages, especially as approximately nine million Canadians are expected to retire by 2030.
The current Immigration Levels Plan for 2023-25 outlines an admission target of 114,000 Federal High Skilled (Express Entry) immigrants annually by the end of 2025, with a new plan expected by November 1st.
However, a recent meeting of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration noted a slowdown in Express Entry draws since Miller took office.
Deputy Immigration Minister Christiane Fox attributed this to an IT glitch during the launch of new categories, resulting in a reduction in draw numbers.
She assured that the department plans to make up for this shortfall going forward and announced a category-based draw for skilled trades professionals expected by December.
Immigration goals
Canada is planning a gradual increase in immigration targets for both the Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs. The EE system, a digital platform managing applications from skilled workers seeking permanent residency, is at the forefront of this initiative.
According to Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan, the outlined targets for EE over the next three years are as follows:
While the previous plan initially positioned EE to regain the top spot in 2024, there has been a strategic shift, with the PNP expected to lead among all economic immigration pathways in the country.
In 2023, EE is anticipated to invite 82,880 new permanent residents.
How Express Entry operates
The three EE programs encompass the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Candidates submit online profiles, and eligibility is determined by the federal government. Eligible candidates enter the EE pool, where they are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System , considering factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills.
The highest-scoring candidates in the EE pool receive Invitations to Apply for permanent residence from the Canadian government.
Specific categories and rounds, including general, program-specific, and category-based rounds, cater to diverse candidates and economic goals outlined by IRCC.
EE involves two key stages: first, eligible candidates express their interest in Canadian permanent residency, and second, the government conducts invitation rounds or “draws,” inviting the highest-scoring candidates to immigrate to Canada. These draws encompass general rounds for those with the highest CRS scores, program-specific rounds for specific EE programs, and category-based rounds for candidates meeting specific criteria designated by IRCC to achieve economic goals.
