IRCC asks 3,750 applicants in third weekly Express Entry draw

In its latest move, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has invited 3,750 candidates to apply for permanent residence in Canada through its Express Entry system. This draw, focused on healthcare occupations, required candidates to have a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 445 to qualify.

This draw marks the second category-specific invitation of the week, following a recent draw that targeted trade occupations with 1,800 invitations issued. Earlier in the week, IRCC conducted another draw exclusively for candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), inviting 920 applicants with a minimum CRS score of 739.

Throughout this week, a total of 6,470 invitations have been extended, the highest weekly tally since April. This uptick in invitations reflects IRCC's strategic shift towards program-specific draws, which began earlier this year. These draws cater specifically to candidates in the Express Entry pool who have applied through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Moreover, draws exclusively for PNP candidates have been prominent, focusing on those who have received provincial nominations under the Express Entry-aligned streams.

The introduction of category-based selection draws in May 2023 has provided IRCC with a flexible tool to target candidates possessing specific skills or meeting regional labor market needs. This approach allows IRCC to efficiently manage the intake of temporary residents seeking permanent residency status in Canada.

The Express Entry system, introduced in 2015, revolutionized Canada's immigration process by prioritizing candidates with valuable human capital attributes. Factors such as age, work experience, language proficiency, and education are evaluated through the CRS, enabling IRCC to select candidates likely to contribute effectively to Canada's economy.

In summary, IRCC's recent draws highlight its commitment to managing immigration efficiently while addressing labor market needs. By leveraging the Express Entry system's flexibility, IRCC aims to facilitate the transition of temporary residents into permanent residents, contributing to Canada's long-term economic goals.