In the most recent Express Entry draw of 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) extended invitations to apply (ITAs) to 4,800 candidates.
The draw was open to candidates from all three programs managed under the Express Entry application management system: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Candidates needed to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 488.
This all-program draw marks the first of its kind since April 26, distinguishing it from the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) specific draw held on May 10, where 589 candidates received ITAs. In PNP-only draws, candidates must be in the Express Entry pool and have been nominated by a Canadian province.
Throughout 2023, Express Entry draws have displayed varying patterns in terms of the number of candidates invited, draw frequency, and draw types. January draws followed the pre-pandemic pattern of occurring every two weeks and including candidates from all programs. In February, IRCC conducted four program-specific draws between February 1 and March 1, with the FSWP having its first program-specific draw. February also saw a shift, with three draws, and one draw taking place each week in March, resulting in over 21,000 candidates receiving ITAs—a record for the highest number issued in one month in Express Entry history.
In April, the pre-pandemic pattern resumed, with an all-program draw taking place every two weeks.
Later in the year, IRCC is expected to initiate draws that focus on specific attributes of Express Entry candidates rather than relying solely on high CRS scores. This change was made possible by the passing of Bill C-19 in June 2022, granting the immigration minister the authority to invite candidates who can best contribute to Canada’s economic goals and alleviate labor shortages in specific sectors.
It’s important to note that Express Entry draws are entirely at the discretion of IRCC and the immigration minister. The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act does not stipulate when draws should occur, which program they should target, the number of candidates invited, or the minimum CRS cut-off score. In other words, IRCC is not obligated to adhere to a specific pattern or even hold draws if the minister deems it unnecessary.
Express Entry is the application management system overseeing three Canadian economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Candidates are evaluated using the Comprehensive Ranking System, which assigns scores based on factors such as language proficiency, education, work experience, occupation, and age. Those with higher scores have a greater likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
As per the Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025, Canada aims to admit over 82,000 new permanent residents through the Federal High Skilled immigration program (Express Entry) by the end of 2023.
