The targeted Express Entry draws are anticipated to begin this year, although the official announcement is still due following BillC19. On January 8, 2023, the IRCC closed the feedback submissions for the new Express Entry categories.
The four proposed categories’ criteria have given nearly all of the clarity about the targeted draws. It’s also possible that this is one of the reasons the IRCC hasn’t yet held a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw.
In this blog, we’ll examine how these upcoming occupational-specific targeted draws will impact those applying for Express Entry.
Additional Read: The New Express Entry Targeted Draw Categories are described in depth here.
Who will be Benefited the Most from Occupational Targeted Express Entry draws?
As per IRCC, the first category stated that the upcoming selections will be based on work experience in specific occupations with severe labor shortage problems. Here’s the list of occupations with the most labor shortage in Canada:
- Food service supervisors
- Financial auditors and accountants
- Retail sales supervisors
- Software engineers and designers
- Cooks
- Computer programmers and interactive media developers
- Restaurant and food service managers
- Administrative officers
- Administrative assistants
- Professional occupations in advertising, marketing, and public relations
- User support technicians
- Information systems analysts and consultants
Express Entry applicants with similar experience in high-demand occupations are anticipated to receive more invitations irrespective of their CRS score in the upcoming occupational-specific draws.
Additionally, in the case of FSW and CEC, applicants will have more chances of receiving ITA with even lower CRS scores.
How is it a Better Opportunity for Work Permit Holders and International Students?
To compete with the other G7 nations, Canada has always worked to retain international talent and cover labor gaps. Helping international graduates acquire permanent residency has consistently been listed as one of IRCC’s top priorities.
In the new selections, graduates from Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) with degrees or diplomas in in-demand professions will be the target. It can be confidently predicted that graduates with training and work experience in the key target industries will have the greatest chance of receiving an ITA for international students.
What will be the Future of No Program Specific Express Entry Draws?
The good news is that the targeted draws will be a part of the other program-specific draws, as per the recent statement by IRCC. They also stated that program-based invitations for Express Entry rounds will continue based on Comprehensive Ranking System results.
Considering that the IRCC has stated that “No Program Specific Draws” will persist, you can assume that the CRS cut-off may increase in such draws. Candidates considering applying or already in the pool and looking for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) should keep working to raise their CRS score or seek the provincial nomination.
The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) draw will likely look like the one in February 2023, which is another positive sign.
Why do Francophiles will still have the Maximum Chance of receiving the ITA even in Targeted Express Entry draws?
It is considered that the new targeted Express Entry draws will be focusing on two major factors. The first includes addressing the chronic labor shortage and long-term planning. The second factor includes promoting economic development and immigration among minority Francophone communities.
To encourage French speakers in Canada, Express Entry and Canadian Immigration have been making the necessary efforts. Even the latest Canadian budget includes $123 million to encourage immigration from francophone countries.
Additionally, bilingualism can earn applicants additional 50 points more who speak fluent French. As per one of the suggested categories, focused Express Entry draws are only for Francophiles.
Learning French benefits Express Entry applicants in the pool because bilinguals will have even more employment opportunities after settling in Canada.
Recently, Express Entry has been challenging with a raising CRS score limit. The process is anticipated to become easier for applicants with experience or education in high-demand fields, even with low CRS scores.
Similarly, some applicants who do not fall into the targeted draw categories will face even greater competition but will still have a chance to receive the ITA.
Since there has been no official confirmation of when the targeted draws will start, we recommend you begin your application work and submit your Expression of Interest in the Express Entry Pool.
If you wish to move to Canada in 2023, get in touch with us today to know your eligibility for Canada PR. We’ll be reverting back as soon as we receive your query.
