The fourteenth Express Entry draw of 2023 by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has concluded, marking another significant milestone in the immigration process. A total of 4,800 candidates were invited to apply in this all-program draw, showcasing the government's commitment to attracting skilled individuals from around the world.

To be eligible for an invitation, candidates needed to achieve a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 486, reflecting the competitiveness of the selection process. This draw highlights the ongoing efforts of IRCC to prioritize and facilitate the entry of highly qualified individuals into Canada.

Continuing the trend of regular Express Entry draws, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have successfully conducted their first draw of June. Following the previous draw on May 24, where 4,800 candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 488 were invited in an all-program draw, the latest draw maintains a similar level of competitiveness.

Notably, the required CRS score of 488 in May was slightly higher than the April 26 all-program draw, which had a minimum CRS score requirement of 483. These consecutive draws demonstrate IRCC's commitment to a fair and transparent selection process, while also highlighting the importance of maximizing one's CRS score to enhance their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency in Canada.

IRCC announces category-based selection draws expected to begin this summer

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have made a significant announcement regarding the introduction of category-based selection draws for Express Entry candidates. In a news release issued on May 31, the department revealed the establishment of six new category-based selection criteria.

These categories are designed to specifically target candidates who possess attributes that align with Canada's economic goals. Five of the categories focus on candidates with work experience in fields that include healthcare, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions, trades such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors, transportation, and agriculture and agri-food. The sixth and final category is dedicated to candidates with strong French speaking abilities.

IRCC has indicated its plans to commence category-based draws during the upcoming summer season; however, an exact date has not yet been provided. To be eligible for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in these targeted draws, candidates must already be part of the Express Entry pool.

It is important to note that despite the introduction of these categories, IRCC will continue to rank Express Entry candidates who meet the respective category requirements, issuing ITAs to those with the highest scores. This approach aims to streamline the selection process while ensuring the most qualified candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada.

Express Entry in 2023

In 2023, excluding the most recent draw, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has already extended invitations to an impressive total of 49,948 candidates through 13 draws. This figure significantly surpasses the number of candidates invited between July and November in 2022. Notably, IRCC did not conduct any all-program draws until July 2022, following a temporary halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which 31,000 candidates were invited.

During the month of May, there were two Express Entry draws. The first draw, held on May 10, exclusively targeted candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and invited 589 candidates. These individuals were both part of the Express Entry pool and had received nominations from provincial governments.

In April, there were two similar all-program draws, each inviting 3,500 candidates. The first draw on April 12 required candidates to have a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 346, while the second draw on April 26 had a higher CRS score requirement of 483.

March witnessed a remarkable number of draws and candidates. A total of four draws took place, inviting a cumulative count of 21,677 candidates. Three of these draws were all-program and invited 7,000 candidates in each draw. The remaining draw specifically targeted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, inviting 667 individuals.

February saw four draws as well, with each draw focusing on specific programs. Three draws were dedicated to PNP candidates, while the fourth draw, a first in Express Entry history, solely invited candidates in the Federal Skilled Worker Program. In January, two all-program draws were conducted, each inviting 5,500 candidates.

The Express Entry system continues to serve as a crucial pathway for skilled individuals to pursue permanent residency in Canada, with IRCC consistently adapting its selection criteria and program-specific draws to ensure a fair and efficient immigration process.