On February 2 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada held its fourth express entry draw of 2023, inviting 3,300 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 489. This draw deviated from the Express Entry history as it only targeted applicants from the Federal Skilled Worker Program and not all three programs. This was the second specific-targeted draw of 2023. Initially, the Express Entry would include Invitations to applicants from the three programs; the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Traders Program (FSTP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The Express Entry is point based and uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank applicants. Only candidates who meet the minimum CRS score set receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency in Canada. These candidates submit their applications which the IRCC officers review, and once approved, they are granted permanent residency in Canada.
Express Entry Draws 2023.
The 2023 express entry programs have been seen to drift from the usual routine. Typically, the express entry draws take place every two weeks and includes applicants from all three programs managed under the express entry. Usually, candidates upload their profile to the express entry and earn points from the comprehensive ranking system. The draws are run, and candidates who meet the cut-off score are issued an ITA to apply for permanent residency in Canada. However, the draws in 2023 have deviated from this in several ways.
The first draw occurred on January 11 2023, after an unexpected six-week break, as the other was held on November 23, 2022. The IRCC, however, attributed this to an IT system glitch that was mainly caused by the change from the NOC 2016 to NOC 2021. This draw invited 5,500 candidates with the lowest CRS score since the draws resumed after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The second draw of the year was held on January 18, which was unusual as IRCC only held draws after two weeks. The draw also included candidates with a much lower Minimum CRS score of 490. Additionally, the IRCC held its first specific targeted draw on February 1, which was only applicable to candidates with a Provincial nomination. Only 898 candidates received an ITA from this draw.
Additionally, the fourth draw was held on February 2 and immediately after the third draw on February 1. This was also a targeted draw that only included applicants from the federal skilled worker program. IRCC issued invitations to 3,300 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 489.
What to expect from the Express Entry Draws in 2023?
Recently, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) minister were given the authority to invite Candidates from the Express entry who were best suited to fit into Canada’s economic goal rather than the usual CRS score. As such, these candidates will be evaluated based on specific qualifications like education, language ability, desired destination, and any other group that supports the country’s economic goals.
Bill C-19 received royal assent on June 23, 2022, and until January 28, 2023, the consultations were completed. Upon this completion, the IRCCC stated that targeted draws were set to begin in 2023 spring. The possible categories are discussed in the IRCC to consider Express Entry draws based on new categories targeting specific qualifications article by Milele Immigration Services.
The new improvement to the Express Entry will allow the IRCC to support Canadian labour needs by selecting immigrants destined for success in its labour market. Apart from that, these new categories will encourage applications from qualified and determined immigrants as they are assured of employment once they land in Canada and meet the community’s needs in the long run.
With this trend of reducing CRS scores, we are hopeful that they will continue to drop some more in 2023. We are therefore urging you to get ready to get into the express entry as soon as possible to stand a chance of an invitation when the points hopefully reduce to pre-pandemic levels.
How can you apply for the Express Entry Programs?
Milele immigration services is a Canadian immigration consultancy organization. Our principal consultant, Loise Githiga, is a regulated RCIC dedicated to helping immigrants navigate Canadian immigration.
We offer consultations to check eligibility, help you navigate your application and profile submission to the Express entry and, most importantly, walk you through your immigration process until you land in Canada.
Why risk your chance when you can increase your chances of selection from the pool of thousands of immigrants by consulting Milele Immigration services?
Here at Milele Immigration services, we are committed to helping you immigrate to Canada, Professionally, Authentically, and Honestly.
