Is IRCC planning a bigger Express Entry draw?

The all program Express Entry draw expected on the 7th December, 2022 did not take place. This is a surprising and unexpected event as the draws had been consistent throughout the year since the 6th of July 2022. This might also be an indication of IRCC planning a bigger Express Entry draw as there are still 232,215 applications in the pool. A big Express Entry draw has been conducted in the past. The 176th draw was conducted on 13th February 2021. It was a targeted draw for Canadian Experience Class and had invited 27332 applicants with a CRS cut-off as low as 75 points. 

Till now IRCC has conducted 11 all program draws and has invited 35750 eligible applicants to apply for Canada PR through the Express Entry system.

Express Entry is set to undergo major changes as early as in the first quarter of the year 2023. With Bill C-19, a more targeted Express Entry draw might become a possibility. This is a step to enable the Canadian government meet the country’s acute skilled labour shortage through the Express Entry system.

The previous all program Express Entry draws are tabulated below.

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As we can observe from the table above, there has been a constant, although marginal dip in the CRS cut-off throughout the draws. The ITAs issued, on the other hand, have steadily increased. The past three Express Entry draws have issued a constant 4750 ITAs, while the CRS cut-off has  continued to reduce.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is one of the fastest and the most popular pathways for economic immigration to Canada. It offers skilled immigrants an expedited way to get Canada PR. Express Entry includes three streams :

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): This stream is known to have received the highest invitations to apply for Canada PR. FSWP is for skilled workers with eligible foreign work experience. You must gain 67 points out of 100 in order to be eligible for this program.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): This Express Entry stream is for skilled workers who have eligible experience in a skilled trade.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Canadian Experience Class is an Express Entry stream that invites skilled workers who possess eligible Canadian work experience.

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) also has special Express Entry pathways for immigrants who are also eligible to apply through Express Entry. Applicants with a provincial nomination receive an additional 600 points in the CRS calculator.

An all program draw is the one that issues ITAs to all the four pathways i.e. FSWP, FSTP, CEC and PNP.

What are Express Entry draws?

Once you are eligible for any of the above Express Entry streams, you will be able to create an Express Entry profile. Thereafter, you will be given a CRS score by the Comprehensive Ranking System as per the information provided while creating your profile and will enter into an Express Entry pool. Express Entry draws, also known as the Express Entry rounds of  invitations are held every second week. These draws issue invitations to apply or ITAs to those profiles that have a CRS score higher than the draw’s cut-off. 

Once you receive an ITA, you will have 60 days to apply for Canada PR. This will be the time when you will be required to submit all the documents such as ECA, IELTS (or CELPIP), etc to substantiate your eligibility and CRS score.

You receive your COPR or Confirmation of Permanent Residence once IRCC approves your PR application.

When is the next Express Entry draw?

The next Express Entry draw is expected to be held on 21st December, 2022. This will be the last draw of the year 2022. However, in the present scenario, it is just a speculation. The year 2023 is expected to bring many substantial and welcoming changes to the Express Entry system. For instance, the Bill C-19 that is expected to be in effect next year will make Express Entry even more responsive to the Canadian skilled labour shortage. Similarly, the switch from NOC 2016 to NOC 2021 and the new TEER system has introduced additional occupations that are now eligible to apply through Express Entry.

This is the best time to create your Express Entry profile and enter into the pool. Talent Connected Worldwide is India’s only CICC authorized immigration consultancy with a decade’s long experience in successful Canada immigration through Express Entry. 

Contact us and get your Canada PR now.

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