On September 28, 2022, Immigration Canada (IRCC) held its latest full-project fast-track lottery. This is the seventh full-item draw since the recovery on July 6th.
IRCC invited 3,750 candidates with a minimum comprehensive ranking system (CRS) score of 504. Since this is a full-project draw, it is for all programs that operate under a fast-track system from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP).
Starting in December 2020, all Express Entry plans have been suspended for more than 18 months due to backlog of applications due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions. During the suspension, only candidates from the CEC or Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) receive invitations to apply. In September 2021, the IRCC also suspended the CEC draw.
IRCC squeeze cases are gradually decreasing
Canadian Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently released data showing that the backlog of all applications has decreased from 2.7 million to 2.6 million between July and August 31. This includes a decrease in the number of fast entry applications pending processing. In late July, there were 51,616 people on the “fast track” list. As of August 31, that number has dropped to 40,180, down more than 10,000 applications in about six weeks.
More than half of the applications on the current list come from applicants in the PNP. This is worth noting because there are several PNPs that are consistent with the Express Entry program, called enhanced nominations. According to the IRCC, the backlog of applications under enhanced PNP has been reduced. However, there has been an increase in the number of PNP applications for candidates directly to the provincial government (basic PNP).
2022 EE has issued 28,039 invitations
As of 2022, Canada has sent invitations to 28,039 immigrants through the Express Entry Program. This is part of the immigration level plan for 2022-2024, with Canada aiming to reach about 432,000 new immigrants by the end of the year. So far, Canada seems to be expected to achieve this, as more than 300,000 new immigrants in all industries are welcomed.
Job vacancies hit record high
Canada's high immigration targets, including those through the Express Entry Program, stemming from several factors, including the current job opening rate of 5.7%. As Canada's largest working-age population, the baby boomer generation, reaches the retirement age of 65 in the next decade, the shortage of skilled workers will also intensify.
In response to the labor shortage, Express Entry will change in 2023. The IRCC will soon have the right to issue ITAs to candidates with specific work experience, education or language skills that are well supported by Canada’s economy and workforce. This change will affect the importance of high CRS to candidates, as targeted draws may take into account other factors more seriously.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-