Express Entry Witnesses Unprecedented Milestone in March
In March 2023, Canada’s Express Entry system achieved four significant milestones, including setting a record for the highest number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued in a single all-program draw since its inception in 2015.
Express Entry is a comprehensive application management system utilized by the Canadian federal government to oversee immigration applications from three programs: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). As per the Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025, Canada aims to welcome at least 82,000 new immigrants through Express Entry each year for the next three years.
During March, Canada’s Express Entry system experienced several key moments, which are highlighted below:
- The largest number of ITAs issued in a single month in over two years
In March, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 21,667 ITAs across four draws, marking the highest number in a single month since February 2021 and the second-largest Express Entry month in the program’s eight-year history. - Biggest all-program draw(s) in Express Entry history
IRCC set a new record for the largest all-program draw in March, surpassing the previous record set in January. On March 15, 7,000 candidates were invited to apply for Canadian permanent residency. - In two weeks, 21,000 ITAs
As a result of the above milestone, IRCC issued 21,000 ITAs over two weeks, conducting three draws between March 15 and March 29. - Lowest all-program draw Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in 27 months
CRS scores reached their lowest point for all-program draws since December 2020, with the cut-off CRS score dropping to 481 on March 29.
The future of Express Entry remains unpredictable, with no standard procedure for the timing or number of ITAs issued in a draw. However, it is anticipated that IRCC will initiate targeted draws in Q2 of this year. These targeted Express Entry draws will enable IRCC to issue ITAs based on specific factors such as occupation, education, language skills, etc., helping Canada address specific labour market needs and enhancing the impact of immigration across all provinces and territories.
