Express Entry is a system used by the Canadian government to manage Canadian permanent residence applications for filling labour gaps through certain economic immigration programs.
Specifically, Express Entry is Canada’s online system for managing skilled worker applications from three different programs:
- the Canadian Experience Class (CEC),
- the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP)
- the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
The federal government has made it clear that changes are needed to highlight the country’s serious labor shortage.
Under the new 2023 strategy, Express Entry will target applicants based on their profession, language, and education and will no longer focus on CRS scores, which means the passing score will be lower to assess who will be granted permanent resident status in Canada. From the speech of the Minister of Immigration Sean Fraser, it can be concluded that such sectors as construction, trade, health care, scientific and technical services, administrative services and services for waste management and reclamation, and social assistance will be in priority. The preparation of such specialists takes more time, given the need for specialized training. The new rules will encourage Canada to accept immigrants who will help the country meet the specific demands and needs of the labour market.
With the introduction of category draw, it is clear that candidates with work experience and specific training in one of the aforementioned sectors will be preferred, regardless of whether there are high CRS scores.
However, even if you do not fall into the target category, you still have a chance. IRCC confirmed that сategory-based selection will include part of the general invitations to apply, while invitations based on the points of the Comprehensive Ranking System and individual programs will remain. Keep working to improve your CRS score regardless of your experience in one of the target industries.
Another important point, Canada is extremely interested in attracting and retaining international students, as they are the best candidates for successful integration into the Canadian labour market.
Economic immigrants are essential to Canada’s future success and there is no denying that international students are some of the best economic immigrants.
It is entirely predictable that international graduates with backgrounds and work experience in the key target sectors outlined below will have the highest chance of obtaining an ITA among international students.
Federal Skilled Worker applicants may have high chances despite low CRS scores. The priority will be outstanding scientists, researchers, rare information technology specialists (most often it is cybersecurity and programming), chemists, pharmacists and other scientists.
Canada is actively looking for ways to attract more French speakers and is open to targeted screening of candidates who combine knowledge of French with experience in in-demand sectors or occupations.
IRCC has shared the following short list of specific occupations that have acute labour shortages where the ability to speak French was a critical component:
- French teachers;
- Medical workers;
- Specialists in the field of tourism and services.
If you have experience in one of these professions and don’t know French yet – please don’t waste your time! Start working on your French. It is clear that now and in the distant future, knowledge of French will be a decisive success factor for people with lower levels of human capital.
Please note that attracting more people to rural Canada is one of IRCC’s top priorities. There are a number of provincial programs that allow candidates who wish to work and settle in rural or northern communities to obtain permanent residency. Popular and overcrowded destinations such as Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto are very competitive and have oversaturated job markets. Instead, by doing jobs in rural Canada, candidates can maximize their chances of getting a PR.
Things are changing in the Express Entry in 2023!
The time when high CRS scores alone were enough to warrant an ITA is coming to the end.
Now in a targeted recruitment strategy, candidates must be thoughtful, persistent, and willing to adapt their behavior in order to receive an ITA. When it comes to immigrating to Canada, you need to start planning ahead. Candidates who build their strategy for years to come, know how to properly open an express entry profile, what profession to declare, navigate the Canadian immigration system, the Canadian labor market and understand how to predict the next selection, are much more likely to succeed in Canada.
Our specialists are ready to help you understand this complex system and take the first right steps towards your new life in Canada.
