In its 13th Express Entry draw in 2023, IRCC has invited numerous candidates
In an all-program draw, 4800 candidates have received ITAs ( Invitation to Apply ) from IRCC.To be eligible for this draw, candidates were required to have a minimum 488 score in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
This is an all-program draw and in such draws, individuals are assessed from all three Express Entry programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Programme (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Programme (FSTP). This draw comes after the most recent one on May 10, when 589 individuals were awarded ITAs in a Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP)-specific lottery. Candidates are only considered in a PNP only draw if they are in the Express Entry pool and have been nominated by a Canadian province.
Express Entry in 2023
Express Entry has yet to develop a distinct trend in terms of the number of applicants invited, the frequency of draws, or even the style of draws during 2023. The January drawings were held two weeks apart, as was customary before the pandemic, and invited applicants from all programs. This changed in February when IRCC staged four program-specific lotteries between the 1st of February and the 1st of March. The FSWP also held its first program-specific draw in February. In February, there were three draws, while in March, there was one draw per week. During March, over 21,000 applicants were invited. In Express Entry history, this was the second-highest amount of ITAs granted in a single month. The pre-pandemic schedule of one all-program draw every two weeks was restored in April.
Later this year, it is likely that IRCC will begin holding draws that focus on specific Express Entry criteria rather than a high CRS score. Bill C-19 obtained Royal Assent in June 2022, making this feasible. The Bill will empower Canada’s immigration minister to invite applicants who can best serve Canada’s economic goals by relieving pressure in certain areas caused by persistent worker shortages.
The IRCC and the immigration minister have complete authority over Express Entry drawings. It must be noted that no provision in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act specifies when drawings will take place, which programs will be used, the number of candidates, or the minimal CRS cut-off score.
