In an eventful week for immigration, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted three Express Entry draws, inviting 1,933 candidates to apply for permanent residency (PR). This marks a significant effort by Canada to address its evolving immigration priorities and labor market needs. Below is a detailed look at the draws and Canada’s strategy for selecting skilled immigrants.
Breakdown of the November Express Draws
- November 15, 2024 – Focus on French Proficiency:
The IRCC issued 800 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with strong French language skills.
- Target Group: Candidates with Level 7 or higher in French language proficiency.
- CRS Score Cutoff: Candidates needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 478 or higher to qualify.
This draw aligns with Canada’s commitment to promoting bilingualism and strengthening Francophone communities outside Quebec.
- November 13, 2024 – Canadian Experience Class (CEC):
- A smaller draw of 400 ITAs targeted candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), a program designed for those with work experience in Canada.
- CRS Score Cutoff: Candidates needed a score of 547 or higher, which reflects an 8-point increase from the last CEC draw held on October 22.
This focus highlights the importance of skilled workers already contributing to the Canadian economy.
- November 12, 2024 – Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):
The IRCC sent 733 ITAs to candidates nominated by a Canadian province under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
- CRS Score Cutoff: Candidates needed a high score of 812 or more to receive an invitation.
Provincial nominations give candidates a significant advantage in the Express Entry system, as they add 600 points to their CRS scores.
Canada’s New Immigration Strategy Focuses on Temporary Residents
Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027 reflects a clear shift towards favoring candidates already living and working in Canada. This “in-Canada focus” prioritizes temporary residents such as international students and foreign workers, helping them transition to permanent residency more easily.
Key Objectives of the Express Entry draws
- Transitioning Temporary Residents to Permanent Status:
Canada acknowledges the skills and contributions of individuals who are already established in the country. As a result, programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry will experience increased allocations. This change will, in turn, provide temporary foreign workers and international graduates with enhanced opportunities to become permanent residents.
- Addressing Labour Market Needs:
Skilled immigrants are essential for filling critical job shortages in sectors such as healthcare, technology, construction, and manufacturing. By focusing on those already living in Canada, the country can fill these roles quickly while reducing reliance on international recruitment.
- Promoting Integration: Temporary residents often integrate seamlessly into Canadian society. Their familiarity with the culture, language, and work environment makes their transition to permanent residency smoother and more efficient.
Why the “In-Canada Focus” Matters
This inward-focused strategy is part of Canada’s broader immigration plan to support economic growth while ensuring new permanent residents can integrate quickly. By prioritizing individuals already in the country, the government reduces settlement costs and fills critical job vacancies without delay.
How Does the Express Entry System Work?
The Express Entry system is Canada’s primary tool for managing immigration applications from skilled workers.
Here’s how it works:
- Create a Profile: Candidates interested in immigrating to Canada must create an online profile in the Express Entry system.
- Score assessment: The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) ranks candidates based on their education, work experience, language skills, and other factors.
- Regular Draws: The IRCC conducts regular draws, inviting top-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residency.
- Eligibility Requirements: To begin with, candidates must meet the criteria for one of Canada’s federal economic immigration programs. These include, for example, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Canada’s recent Express Entry draws reflect its dynamic and strategic approach to immigration. By focusing on French speakers, temporary residents, and provincial nominees, Canada is addressing key labor market needs and supporting economic growth. The 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan highlights the country’s commitment to integrating skilled immigrants who are ready to contribute to its economy and society.
For candidates aspiring to move to Canada, understanding these priorities can help improve their chances of securing permanent residency.With a well-structured Express Entry system in place, Canada continues to welcome skilled talent from around the world. Moreover, it prioritizes those who are already contributing to its workforce, ensuring that their skills are effectively recognised and utilised.
