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Canada has issued 5,900 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to those working in STEM occupations in a new Express Entry draw. 

The December 8 targeted draw saw a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 481 points – five points lower than the draw targeting STEM workers before that. 

IRCC’s previous draw – a round of invitations targeting French speakers – took place just a day prior, on December 7, issuing 1,000 invitations with a minimum score of 470 points.

The December 8 round was third in a series of consecutive EE draws held this week, following more than a month of no draws. 

The last draw targeting STEM workers was held on July 5, one in which 500 ITAs were issued, and which witnessed the lowest CRS Score of 486. It was the first round of invitations for STEM workers. 

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Canada has now conducted the following draws this year:

• 18 all-program draws
• Five PNP draws
• Six draws targeted at French speakers
• Three draws targeted at healthcare occupations
• Two draws targeted at STEM occupations
• One draw targeted at skilled trades
• One draw targeted at Federal Skilled Worker candidates
• One draw targeted at transport jobs
• One draw targeted at agriculture and agri-food occupations

IRCC has now issued 106,871 ITAs in 2023, after inviting 45,115 candidates in the whole of 2022.

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

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

The latest draw saw the tie-breaking rule implemented on December 7, 2023, at 10:02 pm 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 38^th round of invitations under Express Entry in 2023 and 274^th overall.

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

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 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?

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 for 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 a 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.