Canadian Immigration News

Discovering Targeted Express Entry Draws for 2023: An Overview

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is planning to enhance the Express Entry application management system in 2023. The goal is to better address Canada’s economic needs and labor shortages while ensuring that the country meets its specific labor market demands. Targeted Express Entry draws will continue in 2023, with the IRCC selecting top candidates for Canada’s three major economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.

Expected Changes in Targeted Express Entry Draws

In 2023, the IRCC will introduce new Express Entry categories that focus on key characteristics such as educational qualifications, work experience, or proficiency in an official language. The department plans to invite Express Entry candidates based on their occupational background, sectors of the economy with labor shortages, whether they have lived in Canada as international students or temporary foreign workers, and their French-language proficiency.

When Will the Targeted Express Entry Draws Begin?

The IRCC has not yet released the results of the public and stakeholder consultations that ended on January 8, 2023, but it is likely that targeted draws will start in spring this year. After the Minister decides on the categories, the IRCC will announce them before issuing invitations.

Potential Categories the IRCC is Exploring

The IRCC is evaluating three potential categories that could be the targets of future Express Entry draws:

• Candidates with work experience in a specific occupation or industry: The IRCC is examining the possibility of creating a category for work experience in specific occupations or sectors with chronic labor shortages. Respondents were asked to identify areas of the labor market experiencing long-term shortages and suggest ways in which immigration can complement Canada’s existing workforce.

• International student graduates transitioning to permanent residence: The IRCC is contemplating a new Express Entry category focused on international student graduates that could address critical shortages more directly. For example, a new Express Entry category could include graduates with a degree or diploma from a Designated Learning Institution in high-demand fields.

• Temporary foreign workers transitioning to permanent residence: The IRCC is also considering a category that would enable more temporary foreign workers to become permanent residents through Express Entry. Stakeholders expressed concern during the consultation that current pathways to permanent residency are not keeping up with the supply of temporary foreign workers capable of meeting Canada’s long-term labor force needs.

• Francophone and bilingual candidates (outside of Quebec): IRCC is exploring the possibility of inviting candidates based on their ability to speak French. This could include French-speaking and bilingual candidates.

The IRCC observes that labor shortages are most severe in construction (trades), administrative and support services, waste management and remediation services, healthcare and social assistance, and other services, except public administration, which is considered a separate industry. Many of these job openings are in occupations that are eligible for Express Entry.

Canada to Allow Family Members of Temporary Foreign Workers to Work

Canada is extending work permit eligibility to family members of temporary foreign workers to address labor shortages. Previously, only spouses of primary applicants in high-skilled occupations were eligible for work permits. Starting in January 2023, Canada will broaden eligibility to include spouses and working-age children of workers in all skill levels through a two-year phased approach.

The temporary measure aims to keep families together, improve workers’ well-being and provide more opportunities for foreign workers and employers. It is estimated that family members of over 200,000 foreign workers could start working in Canada as a result.

The measure will be implemented in three stages, beginning with family members of workers in the high-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Following consultations, the measure will be extended to family members of workers from the low-wage stream, and there will be a third phase for agricultural workers’ families.

Overall, this new policy is expected to benefit Canadian businesses, temporary foreign workers, and their families.

From International Student to becoming a Canadian Permanent Resident!

Canada is a popular destination for young adults seeking higher education, not only for the quality of education but also the opportunity to obtain permanent residency after completing their studies. The Canadian government has created a clear pathway for students to achieve this goal through a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) and the Canadian Experience Class under the Express Entry system. Here are the 5 steps to obtain permanent residency in Canada after studying:

Step 1: Apply for a study permit To study in Canada, you must first apply for a study permit after being accepted by a designated learning institution (DLI).

Step 2: Work while studying (optional) Many international students opt to work while studying to gain work experience and support their living expenses. Students can work on-campus, off-campus, or apply for internships.

Step 3: Apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit After graduation, you can apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit to gain Canadian work experience. The validity of the permit depends on the duration of your studies.

Step 4: Apply for Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class) With at least one year of Canadian work experience and a degree, you may be eligible for permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class through the Express Entry system. Candidates are entered into an online lottery based on their CRS score, and those with a Canadian job offer and extensive work experience have higher chances of being selected.

Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply and apply for Canada PR Once you meet the cut-off score for an Express Entry draw, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada. With your ITA, you can complete the application process to become a permanent resident of Canada.

By following these steps, Canadian graduates can obtain permanent residency in Canada and have the opportunity to make Canada their home.

Canadian Immigration at the start of 2023 – an overview

Canada is undergoing some exciting changes in its immigration policies for 2023. The country is preparing to welcome a record-breaking 465,000 immigrants, a move aimed at boosting its economy and addressing the shortage of skilled workers. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s “healthier, more resilient future” mandate is the driving force behind this decision, which also includes facilitating faster and easier immigration processing and improving family reunification for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship is also planning to adapt the country’s immigration policies to the new realities emerging from the global pandemic. The goal is to support Canada’s post-pandemic economic recovery through immigration, as it remains a driving force of the country’s economy. To this end, the immigration office will focus on improving online processing and submission of requirements to make the application process more efficient.

In 2023, Canada will also be replacing the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system with TEER, which will assess an applicant’s training, formal education, work experience, and associated responsibilities, instead of just evaluating their skill level. The Express Entry program will utilize the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) in a more speedy manner, and there will be two new online portals introduced for TRV and permanent residency applications.

The Canadian government has also made changes to its travel requirements. While proof of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required to enter the country, travelers are advised to verify the most recent updates from Canada’s official website before traveling. In addition, the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) has become the new regulatory body for Canada Immigration Consultants, placing stricter regulations on the industry.

These developments signify Canada’s commitment to welcoming immigrants and boosting its economy, and applicants can look forward to a more efficient and streamlined immigration process in 2023.