Canada has conducted a new Express Entry draw aimed at Federal Skilled Worker Program candidates, issuing 3,300 Invitations to Apply.

The February 2 draw featured a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 489 points, one lower than the previous all-program draw.

It follows a Provincial Nominee Program-only draw on February 1 in which 893 ITAs were issued and the minimum score was 733 points.

The move to conduct an FSWP-only draw could signal the start of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada using new powers to conduct targeted draws.

These could include draws aimed at specific occupations, it has previously said.

Canada has now issued 15,813 ITAs in 2023 after inviting 45,115 candidates in the whole of 2022.

IRCC issued a record 114,431 ITAs in 2021, all to Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program candidates. It beat the previous record of 107,350 set in 2020.

The latest draw was the first to be aimed exclusively at FSWP candidates.

Canada has a record immigration target of 465,000 for 2023.

The latest draw saw the tie-breaking rule implemented on March 29, 2022, at 12.09pm EST. If more than one candidate had the minimum CRS score, only those who submitted their Express Entry profiles before this date and time received invitations.

This was the fourth round of invitations under Express Entry in 2023 and 240^th overall.

Candidates have a 60-day window to submit their applications, which will be processed within the six-month standard.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an immigration system implemented by IRCC which manages skilled worker applications under Federal Economic programs. This includes the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program the Canada Experience Class and parts of the Provincial Nomination Programs.

Stakeholders expect to see high numbers of invitations return as Canada builds towards its target of 465,000 new permanent residents in 2023.

Watch Video

Read More

Canada Immigration Year In Review: Express Entry Has Its Most Unique 12 Months On Record
Payroll administrators can now immigrate to Canada through Express Entry
Canada Express Entry Draws Delayed By NOC 2021 Computer Issue
Nurse Aides And Orderlies Can Now Immigrate To Canada Through Express Entry 
Truck Drivers Now Eligible For Canada Express Entry With Arrival Of NOC 2021

What Can Employers Do to Recruit Foreign Workers?

Employers are encouraged to consider securing an LMIA or nomination under provincial nomination programs (PNPs) to ensure the long-term retention of employees.

At immigration.ca we provide Canadian employers with unparalleled immigration legal services and recruitment of foreign nationals through our in-house skilledworker.com. We bring qualified candidates to Canada in the shortest time possible. Employers in a wide range of industries can directly benefit from our unique position as one of Canada’s leading immigration firms in the industry, with a strong online presence, to meet both their recruitment and immigration requirements.

Interested employers wishing to seek our assistance are invited to contact us here for further information.

What Should Candidates Do Next?

CRS scores are expected to continue to fall in 2023 as Canada increases the number of ITAs issued.

Securing an approved offer of employment is highly recommended as one of the best pathways to guaranteeing an ITA in the next round of invitations.

Find out whether you qualify to Canada by completing our free online evaluation. We will provide you with your evaluation results within 1-2 business days.

Resources:

• Immigration.ca News Articles – A daily news source outlining the latest developments in immigration, employment and the economy with commentaries by Attorney Colin Singer.
• At skilledworker.com we are dedicated to developing long-term strategic alliances with client companies and candidates alike. We strictly adhere to our guiding principles of honesty, integrity and confidentiality.

Colin R. Singer is immigration counsel for www.immigration.ca and Managing Partner of skilledworker.com. He is one of Canada’s foremost senior corporate immigration attorneys. Colin is internationally recognized as an experienced and recommended authority on Canadian immigration and foreign recruitment. In addition to being licensed human resources professional, he is a licensed Canadian lawyer in good standing with the Quebec Law Society for more than 30+ years and is authorized by the Canadian government in all immigration matters.