Express Entry Draws: IRCC Invited 5,000 Candidates in July’s First Week 2023

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made significant strides this week by issuing a total of 5,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through four separate Express Entry draws. These draws exhibited a commendable range of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff scores, varying from 439 to 511.

It has been an exceptionally favorable week for candidates selected in these four Express Entry draws, particularly for individuals proficient in French and those with backgrounds in healthcare. Previously, these specific groups faced difficulties as they found themselves trapped in the pool with consistently high CRS cutoff scores, without any specific program draws catered to their qualifications. However, this week’s developments have presented them with a well-deserved opportunity to progress toward their immigration goals.

The week spanning from July 4 to July 7, 2023, marks a significant milestone in the history of Express Entry. It stands out as a momentous period due to consecutive draws taking place within this timeframe. Notably, this week has brought about the official introduction of new targeted draws, adding an extra layer of significance.

Beyond the sheer number of draws conducted, this week holds particular importance for individuals eagerly anticipating an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the Express Entry pool.

The pattern of Draws in the First Week of July 2023

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented a distinctive approach this week by organizing a ‘no program specified’ draw as the initial step, followed by the subsequent announcement of targeted draws in a staggered manner.

The targeted draws conducted this week for STEM and healthcare occupations, along with the inclusion of profiles with level 7 proficiency in French, have undoubtedly been advantageous for the respective groups of applicants.

While the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made efforts to be transparent in its operations, it is evident that further clarity is still required.

The first draw of the week was announced on July 4, and on the same date, the public data for CRS score distribution in the pool was updated. However, it is concerning that the subsequent draws conducted on July 5, 6, and 7 did not have updated information regarding the CRS score distribution in the pool. It suggests that the IRCC may have solely relied on the available data as of July 4 for the selection of profiles in the targeted draws conducted on subsequent days.

Overview of STEM and Healthcare Draws

In 2023, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has identified a list of 82 occupations that will be specifically targeted in occupation-specific draws. Out of these occupations, a significant number of 59 fall under the Healthcare (35) and STEM (24) categories.

These two occupation-specific Express Entry draws, focusing on Healthcare and STEM occupations, are expected to occur more frequently compared to targeted draws for Trades and Agriculture. This indicates the IRCC’s recognition of the importance of these sectors and their desire to attract skilled individuals in these fields.

Among the occupation-specific draws, a majority of the Express Entry profiles qualify for STEM occupations, followed by a relatively smaller number in the healthcare sector. A poll conducted on the official Instagram account revealed that approximately 65% of the respondents had experience in STEM occupations, while only 38% were eligible for healthcare draws.

Although this poll represents the views of the Instagram followers and may not be indicative of the entire applicant pool, it highlights the considerably higher CRS score cutoffs for STEM profiles in comparison to healthcare profiles. The STEM sector appears to have a larger number of profiles in the Express Entry pool compared to any other targeted occupation sector, further emphasizing its significance in the Canadian labor market.

Final Thoughts

The landscape of Express Entry has undergone a notable shift with the introduction of targeted draws. While the conventional advice used to emphasize improving one’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, the dynamics have now changed.

For individuals currently in the Express Entry pool, the focus should now be on gaining experience in one of the 82 selected occupations and investing efforts into learning French. This strategic approach increases the likelihood of falling within the scope of the targeted draws.

Indeed, the occupations targeted in the Express Entry draws are often aligned with the priority lists of many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). This convergence presents an advantageous situation for individuals seeking Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) through multiple pathways.