Over 9800 Express Entry Invites Issued in Just 2 Weeks!

Canada held an Express Entry draw for the fourth day in a row last week. Canada's Express Entry system has issued over 9800 ITAs in the last two weeks alone. This astonishing number highlights the efficiency and effectiveness of the program in selecting skilled immigrants who can contribute to the country's economy. These ITAs are sent to candidates who have submitted their profiles in the Express Entry pool and have the highest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.

Recap: ITAs in the Last 2 Weeks

Canada's Express Entry system has been busy with both all-program and category-specific draws in July. In the past two weeks, 9,800 candidates were invited to apply for permanent residence. The most recent round took place on July 11th, as IRCC issued 800 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through an all-program Express Entry draw, to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 505.

In addition, IRCC held two targeted draws for healthcare workers and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professionals. On June 28th, IRCC launched the first-ever targeted Express Entry draw, awarding 500 ITAs to healthcare workers with a CRS score of 476 or higher.

The July 4 round of invites was an unexpected all-program draw in which 700 applications were examined. These candidates had to have a CRS of 511, the highest of any all-program draw in 2023.

The round of invitations issued on July 5 was the first of its kind for candidates in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). 500 individuals with a minimum CRS score of 486 were invited.

This was shortly followed by the second health-services-related draw on July 6, where 1,500 individuals with job experience in healthcare professions were invited.

The French category-based Express Entry draw was also held, inviting 2,300 candidates with strong French-speaking abilities, with the lowest CRS score of 439. The other draws included candidates with work experience in healthcare professions, STEM professions, and an unexpected all-program draw.

Check our table below for the full recap:

The month of July continues to be a busy one for Canada's Express Entry system, with both all-program and category specific draws taking place throughout the month. This week, IRCC is set to hold more targeted draws as part of a new policy of category-based draws designed to fulfill Canada's economic, cultural, and demographic requirements.

Category Selection Express Entry

Canada's Express Entry program has been making headlines recently as it continues to break records and issue an unprecedented number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs). This fast-track immigration system has revolutionized how skilled workers can immigrate to Canada, providing a streamlined process that prioritizes candidates based on their skills, education, work experience, and language proficiency.

The CRS is a point-based system that evaluates candidates based on various factors such as age, educational qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. The higher the CRS score, the better the chances of receiving an ITA. This recent surge in ITAs is a testament to the success of the Express Entry program in attracting highly skilled individuals to Canada. You can use our CRS calculator to see if you qualify.

On May 31, Canada's immigration minister, Sean Fraser, announced the new categories for category-based selection.

These categories were developed after consultations with provincial and territorial governments, IRCC partners, and stakeholders. The categories include healthcare, science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) professions, trade, transport, agriculture and agri-food, and strong French-language proficiency. They will be reviewed annually and may be subject to change in 2024.

Category-based drawings are a big step forward in Canada's immigration policies and a departure from regular CRS-based lotteries. Canada is actively inviting qualified professionals into the country through category-based selection, in line with its vow to embrace in-demand people and address labor market demands through immigration procedures.

This step builds on the recently released IT Talent Attraction Strategy, enhancing Canada's standing as an appealing worldwide destination for top IT talent.

Canada is set to fill important labor needs, particularly in targeted industries, according to the new category-based selection method.

The selection criteria for the six new categories prioritize strong French-speaking abilities over work experience. This approach aligns with Canada's immigration minister's mandate to promote the French language outside of Quebec. By inviting French-speaking Express Entry candidates, Canada aims to support economic growth through Francophone immigration while enriching and strengthening communities.

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Why Express Entry Has Boomed

While 2022 was a successful year for immigration in Canada, the Great White North continues to push toward its ambitious immigration goals. 2023 is estimated to welcome 465,000 newcomers. The influx of foreign labor is mainly due to the Express Entry system, which has experienced exponential growth and popularity for several reasons.

Firstly, provides a fast-track option for skilled immigrants to obtain permanent residency in Canada. The streamlined process ensures that eligible candidates receive ITAs promptly, usually taking between six to 18 months, thus reducing the waiting time associated with traditional immigration programs.

Secondly, the Express Entry program aligns with the needs of the Canadian labor market. The program aims to address labor shortages and promote economic growth by prioritizing candidates with skills that are in demand. This strategic approach has garnered praise from employers and industry experts, who recognize the value of attracting highly skilled individuals to Canada.

Another factor contributing to the program's success is the emphasis on language proficiency. Express Entry gives significant weightage to language skills, recognizing the importance of effective communication in the Canadian workplace. Candidates with strong language skills, particularly in English and French, are more likely to receive higher CRS scores and secure ITAs. This is evident in the French-language Express Entry Category.