In the latest Express Entry draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2023, the department has invited a significant number of candidates from various categories to apply for permanent residency.
The draws have seen diverse criteria, including category-based selections for French-speaking candidates and those with expertise in healthcare, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions.
IRCC’s Express Entry system evaluates candidates based on multiple factors, offering opportunities to individuals with specific attributes and skills, while also promoting French language proficiency across Canada.
Canada’s Latest Express Entry Draws
July 11-12: All-Program Express Entry Draw
During this draw, IRCC issued invitations to 3,800 candidates, primarily focusing on French-speaking candidates. The applicants required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 375, marking the lowest CRS score for any Express Entry draw in 2023.
July 11: All-Program Express Entry Draw
On July 11, IRCC invited 800 candidates in an all-program draw with a minimum CRS score of 505.
July 4-7: Eventful Week for Express Entry Draws
The first week of July witnessed a series of Express Entry Invitations to Apply (ITAs). On July 4, 700 candidates received invitations in an all-program draw, setting a high bar with a minimum CRS score of 511, the highest among all all-program draws in 2023.
On July 5, a category-based selection draw was held for candidates with work experience in STEM occupations. IRCC invited 500 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 486.
Another category-based selection draw took place on July 6, targeting healthcare professionals. IRCC invited 1,500 candidates with a minimum CRS of 463.
On July 7, 2,300 Express Entry candidates with strong French-speaking abilities were invited, requiring a minimum CRS of 439. Notably, French-speaking abilities stood as the only category-based selection criteria not specific to an occupation.
June 27-28: Express Entry Draws at the End of June
In the final week of June, IRCC conducted two draws. The first draw, on June 27, invited 4,300 candidates in an all-program draw, with a minimum CRS score of 486.
On the following day, June 28, a category-based selection round was held, specifically targeting healthcare occupations. IRCC invited 500 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 476.
Understanding Express Entry
Express Entry is a comprehensive application management system that oversees the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
The system evaluates candidates based on various human capital factors, such as work experience, occupation, language ability, education, and age.
Each candidate is assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which determines their ranking within the Express Entry pool.
Introduced on May 31, 2023, IRCC implemented new category-based selection criteria to emphasize specific attributes instead of solely relying on a high CRS score. The six new categories are as follows:
- Healthcare
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Transport
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Strong French-language proficiency
These categories were chosen to address urgent labour force gaps in Canada and to promote the French language outside of Quebec.
Conclusion
The recent Express Entry draws by IRCC have provided numerous candidates with the opportunity to apply for permanent residency in Canada. With a focus on category-based selections and specific attributes, the draws aim to fill skill gaps and strengthen the country’s labour force while also promoting linguistic diversity.
As the Express Entry system continues to evolve, candidates with diverse skills and abilities can look forward to greater opportunities to make Canada their new home.
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