Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently extended invitations to candidates in the latest Express Entry draw, showcasing its commitment to facilitating immigration processes.

In this comprehensive draw encompassing all programs, the department generously issued 4,750 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), underscoring its dedication to attracting skilled and qualified individuals to contribute to the Canadian community.

To be eligible for consideration, candidates needed to attain a commendable Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 561. This strategic selection criterion ensures that those invited possess the requisite skills and attributes to thrive in the Canadian landscape, promoting the nation's economic and social prosperity.

This marks the inaugural draw since October 26. On November 14, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) acknowledged issues faced by some applicants utilizing the Express Entry Profile Builder, preventing the submission of their applications.

Subsequently, on November 16, the department tweeted a resolution to the problem. However, it remains uncertain whether this technical glitch contributed to the extended gap in draws.

In the most recent draw on October 26, a total of 3,600 candidates received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a category-based selection, specifically for healthcare occupations. To qualify, candidates needed to attain a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 431.

During the same week, two additional draws occurred. On October 25, IRCC extended invitations to 300 candidates in a category-based selection draw for individuals showcasing proficiency in French. A minimum CRS score of 486 was necessary for consideration.

The last draw within the week took place on October 24, where IRCC issued invitations to 1,548 candidates in a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-only draw. Candidates in this category were required to achieve a minimum score of 776. Notably, Express Entry candidates nominated through the PNP receive an additional 600 CRS points, elevating the minimum CRS score for this particular draw.

What is category-based selection?

In May of this year, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the initiation of category-based selection rounds within the Express Entry system.

These draws specifically target Express Entry candidates who satisfy specific criteria, such as possessing proficiency in the French language or possessing work experience in one of the following five occupations: Healthcare, STEM professions, Trades, Transport, and Agriculture and agri-food. These occupations are currently facing shortages of skilled workers, placing considerable strain on Canada's economy, including critical sectors like healthcare and the supply chain.

Addressing these shortages is deemed crucial by Canada's Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, particularly as the country anticipates up to nine million Canadians retiring by 2030. The Immigration Levels Plan for 2023-2025 outlines the admission of 114,000 Federal High Skilled (Express Entry) immigrants annually by the end of 2025, with a new plan expected by November 1st.

Despite ambitious targets, a recent meeting of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration highlighted a slowdown in Express Entry draws since Minister Miller assumed office. Deputy Immigration Minister Christiane Fox attributed this slowdown to an IT glitch during the launch of the new categories, prompting a reduction in draw frequency. Assuring a corrective approach, she affirmed that the department aims to meet its targets going forward.

Furthermore, Deputy Minister Fox disclosed plans for a category-based draw targeting skilled trades professionals scheduled for December this year.

Since the inaugural category-based draw in June, Canada has conducted 12 draws through this selection method, resulting in over 11,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). Importantly, all invited candidates were already part of the Express Entry pool.