The Canadian Immigration Department intends to introduce changes to the Express Entry system by creating specific categories based on job backgrounds, sectors with labor shortages, applicants’ residence in Canada as international students or temporary foreign workers, and proficiency in the French language.
The Express Entry system is a pathway through which skilled workers can apply for permanent residency in Canada through one of three immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Currently, eligible applicants for these programs receive Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, and those with the highest scores have a greater chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
The consultations have followed a similar process used to develop the annual immigration level plans, which set immigration targets for a three-year period.
The results of the consultations have not been released yet, as the consultative process only recently concluded on January 8, 2023. However, the Immigration Department has stated that targeted draws will likely commence from the spring of this calendar year. Once the ministry makes decisions regarding the categories, the results will be announced prior to issuing ITAs.