Canada Sets Express Entry Record, Holds Largest All-Program Draw Ever
Canada continues to make history in the Express Entry with a record-breaking draw. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) broke its own Express Entry record by extending invites to 7,000 applicants on March 15, 2023, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 490.
The number of invitations in this draw exceeds the previous record of 5,500 applicants invited in the January 18 all-program draw. Candidates from all three Express Entry programs are considered in an all-program draw:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
This draw shifts away from a pattern of program-specific drawings during the last two months. There have been four program-specific rounds of invites since the last all-program draw, three for PNP-only candidates and one for FSWP candidates. On March 1, just 697 candidates earned ITAs in the most recent PNP-only draw.
Before 2023, all Express Entry draws were all-program draws that welcomed over 1,000 candidates each time and grew as the minimum CRS score declined.
IRCC releases Express Entry data for 2021
A recent IRCC report presents Express Entry data for 2021, a one-of-a-kind year in the program’s history.
The program drawings were paused beginning in December 2020 to reduce the backlog generated by COVID-19-related travel restrictions and border closures. However, IRCC continued to issue ITAs to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates until September 2021, when CEC draws were also halted.
In total, 114,431 ITAs were awarded in 2021. Also, in 2021, there were no all-program Express Entry draws. All 42 Express Entry drawings for the PNP and CEC were program-specific, and no ITAs were awarded to Federal Skilled worker Program (FSWP) or Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) candidates.
Over half, 64%, of ITAs were issued to beneficiaries aged 20 to 29. Candidates in this age range receive 100 CRS points under the Comprehensive Ranking System. After the age of 30, candidates receive fewer points.
Due to the interruptions, most ITAs were awarded to candidates who were already temporary residents in Canada. Nonetheless, some ITAs were still awarded to candidates living abroad. The top five nationalities were as follows:
- Canada: 102,806 ITAs issued
- India: 3,826 ITAs issued
- Nigeria: 1,432 ITAs issued
- USA: 806 ITAs issued
- People’s Republic of China: 687 ITAs issued
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry oversees three programs: the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Applicants nominated under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) are already qualified for at least one Express Entry stream.
Candidates are ranked in Express Entry programs using the Comprehensive Ranking System based on points (CRS). Work experience, language skills, education, and human capital variables earn points. Applicants who acquire the best scores will be issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and can apply for permanent residency.
A candidate has 60 days to finish and submit their application. The application is subsequently reviewed by an IRCC officer, who decides whether or not the candidate is approved.
Overall, Canada’s Express Entry program has set a record with the largest all-program draw ever. It is clear that the Canadian government is dedicated to welcoming more individuals and families to its shores. With its excellent economy, quality of life, and an array of opportunities, it’s no wonder so many people are looking to call Canada home. Now is the time for those interested in living in Canada to learn more about the Express Entry program and start their journey toward permanent residence.
