Canada PR: IRCC All-program Draw Invites 3,500 Immigration Candidates to Apply

On April 13, 2023, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its latest Express Entry draw, issuing 3,500 invitations to apply (ITAs) to candidates in an all-program draw. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score for this draw was 486.

In an all-program draw, candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) are considered.

This draw follows three consecutive Express Entry draws in which 7,000 candidates were invited. The most recent draw on March 29 saw the lowest CRS cut-off score since December 2020, at 481.

It is worth noting here that, Express Entry draws have been frequent in 2023, with more ITAs issued in the first few months of 2023 than the whole of 2022.

IRCC’s Ambitious Immigration Levels Plan

IRCC unveiled its most ambitious Immigration Levels Plan to date in November 2022, outlining immigration targets for permanent residents across all lines of business over three years.

This year, 82,880 candidates will be granted permanent resident status through Express Entry, with the number expected to rise to 114,000 by 2025.

Also Read: IRCC Update: Dual Intent is Legitimate for Temporary Residents Seeking Immigration

March 2023 was an unprecedented month for Express Entry

In the history of Express Entry, March was an unprecedented month, with IRCC issuing 21,667 ITAs across four draws. This was the second-highest monthly total since the launch of Express Entry in January 2015.

It may be noted that in February 2021, IRCC invited 27,332 candidates in a single draw targeting Canadian Experience Class candidates, breaking the record for the most candidates invited in a single month.

PGWP Extension Available from April 6

The large all-program draws may be advantageous for CEC candidates, many of whom have expressed growing concern as their Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) are set to expire soon.

Immigration Minister Sean Fraser recently announced that PGWP holders will be able to apply for an 18-month open work permit extension beginning April 6.

Express Entry Overview

Express Entry is a programme for application management that was launched in 2015. It was created to objectively assess high-skilled economic immigrants using criteria such as occupation, work experience, age, language ability, education, and other human capital factors. The Comprehensive Ranking System is used to rank and score these factors.

After receiving an ITA, a candidate has 60 days to submit their final application to IRCC. An officer will then review the application and determine whether the candidate is eligible for permanent resident status.