The Next Big Thing in Express Entry Canada

Express Entry: Canada’s Points-Based System and Planned Changes

Currently, Canada’s system evaluates candidates based on factors such as age, education, work history, job postings, and language proficiency, including French. As a result, those who meet the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cutoff receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada.

Upcoming Changes to the Express Entry System

Looking ahead, Canada plans a major overhaul of its points-based system to better align candidates with real-time workforce needs. According to the proposed changes, invitations will be based on specific educational backgrounds and industry-based occupations. By early July, Express Entry draws will resume for all three classes, and the processing time for new applications is expected to return to six months, similar to pre-pandemic levels. In late 2021, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) category was suspended, while the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) candidate draws have been suspended since December 2022.

New Benefits for International Students

Starting in the summer of 2022, international students with post-graduation work permits expiring between January 2022 and December will be eligible for an additional open work permit valid for up to 18 months. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is “considering a simplified and expedited process for this, with details to be announced in the coming weeks.” Significantly, approximately 95,000 Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) will expire in 2022.

Express Entry Changes to Address Labor Shortages

Canadian authorities aim to address ongoing labor shortages in the wake of the pandemic by modifying the Express Entry system. Thus, in 2024, the new rules will come into effect. Consequently, the state will issue invitations to individuals with specific work experience and education, allowing them to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit (ITA). Canadian businesses report that labor shortages limit their ability to increase production, significantly impacting the economy.

Record High Job Openings in Canada

The latest statistics indicate that job openings in Canada have reached a record high, especially in the education sector. Citizenship and Immigration Canada reports the current vacancy rate is 5.7%. Furthermore, the IRCC plans to issue invitations to suitable candidates with specific educational qualifications, work experience, and language skills as part of the new changes. Therefore, the government intends to extend invitations to Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) candidates, as well as all programs under the Express Entry system.

Express Entry Process Overview

The process follows a point-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Points are awarded to applicants based on abilities, experience, work history, and State/Territory endorsements.

• Test demonstrating sufficient knowledge of English or French.
• Positive Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.
• Score of at least 67 points to qualify for some programs.
• Good medical health.
• Ability to pay debts.

While there is no age limit, no points are awarded to applicants over the age of 47.

The Three Programs Under Express Entry

The system includes three Canadian immigration programs:

1. The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
2. The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
3. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Government of Canada conducts Express Entry draws approximately every two weeks. The next draw is estimated for December 7, 2022. Notably, the Express Entry program is the fastest and most popular of Canada’s PR visa immigration programs. Introduced in 2015, the system manages profiles of immigrants applying for PR visas under the three federal economic immigration programs. Express Entry profiles rank candidates based on their CRS scores. The highest-ranked profiles receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply) to submit a PR visa application to the IRCC.

Monitoring Express Entry Draws

Immigrants wishing to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents regularly monitor the Canada Express Entry draw forecasts. The eligible candidates can complete an online profile that includes various details about themselves, such as skills, language proficiency, educational background, and previous work experience. As long as candidates meet the criteria of one or more federal economic immigration programs under Express Entry, they are classified into a pool of eligible individuals. Ultimately, these individuals rank according to their prospects for financial success, with the highest-ranking candidates and those with eligible job offers or State/Territory nominations automatically ranked higher.

This system allows Canada to select the best candidates likely to succeed, rather than selecting the next candidate. There is no guarantee that candidates who complete the Express Entry profile will receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency. Additionally, candidates who apply to the Express Entry Canada program but do not receive an invitation after one year may resubmit their profile and rejoin the pool as long as they remain eligible for the program.

For more detailed information on the Canada Express Entry process and its benefits, visit our comprehensive guide.