IRCC is inviting more Express Entry candidates to apply for permanent residence
Overall, 7,500 candidates have been issued ITAs since all-program draws resumed on July 6.
Express Entry aims to target skilled workers who are best suited to helping close the gaps in Canada’s labour force by responding to labour market needs, including French language immigrants outside Quebec. Canada plans to welcome 55,900 permanent residents through Express Entry in 2022 and this number will dramatically increase to 111,500 by the end of 2024.
Now that draws have resumed, IRCC aims for a processing standard of six months for new applications.
However, IRCC is now considering holding Express Entry draws that target specific skills and occupations in the future, rather than relying solely on a CRS score. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser told CIC News in June that in doing so, Canada would be able to select more immigrants who are already primed for success in the labour market.
“The goal is really to maximize the contribution that a newcomer can make in their communities, so they’re set up for success when they arrive, but also that they’re going to meet the needs of the community where they’re going to reside,” said Fraser. “I expect we’re going to see potential increase of retention rates have opened up because people are coming in where they know they have opportunities because that was the basis of their invitation to apply.”
This is a very good news for those applicant with lower CRS since the main focus of selection will shift from higher CRS to occupations in demand.
