Best countries to work in
Canada sent out 1,325 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in an all-program targeted event for the Express Entry lottery that took place on December 18. With a minimum score of 542 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for this draw, it was 19 points lower than the previous general draw.
Opportunities for French Speakers in Canada
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sponsored an occupation-specific round for best countries to work in STEM disciplines on December 8 in advance of this draw. 5,900 invites were sent out in this draw, with a 481-point minimum CRS score.
After more than a month without a draw, the December 18 draw was the fourth Express Entry draw of the month. The last all-program draw was held on December 6, yielding the lowest CRS score of 561 and 4,750 ITAs.
Overview of Express Entry Draws in 2023
Canada has conducted a few draws in 2023 that cover a range of categories:
19 all-program draws
Five Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws
Six draws targeting French speakers
Three draws focusing on healthcare occupations
Two draws specifically for STEM occupations
One draw for skilled trades
One draw for Federal best countries to work candidates
One draw for transport jobs
One draw for agriculture and agri-food occupations.
Compared to the 45,115 individuals invited in total throughout 2022, the IRCC has issued 108,196 ITAs as of 2023. In 2021, candidates from the Provincial Nominee Program and the Canadian Experience Class received 114,431 ITAs, topping the previous high set in 2020.
Record Immigration Target for 2023
Canada’s record immigration target of 465,000 for 2023 reflects the country’s ongoing attempts to draw in best countries to work to add to its varied labor pool.
On November 06, 2023, at 14:40:23 UTC, the tie-breaking rule for the December 18 draw was put into effect. Invitations were sent exclusively to candidates who filed their Express Entry profiles before this day and time, even in situations where multiple candidates met the minimal CRS score.
This draw was the 275th overall and the 39th round of invites under Express Entry for 2023. The 60-day application window for successful candidates has been extended, and processing is anticipated to take place in the typical six-month period.
