For the very first time, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has organized its third Express Entry draw within a week; this indicates a marked shift in Canada immigration strategy and commitment to realizing its immigration goals in the psychology of numbers: targets. For candidates within the Express Entry pool, the increased number of draws translates into more frequent chances at securing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada.
The most recent draw was held on 14 December 2024 and follows very closely two of its predecessors, thus accelerating the pace of processing of immigration applications by IRCC. It is interesting to note that these draws have displayed relatively high cuts in terms of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, further indicating the fierce competitiveness that is still associated with Express Entry. However, the fact that draws are repeated within such a short interval has created waves upon waves of excitement among hopeful applicants, who are seeing the possibility of a faster route to Canadian permanent residency.
Why the Surge of Draws?
The reason behind this multiple Express Entry draws could be part of the continued efforts by Canada to achieve its ambitious immigration targets for 2024, which aims to bring in over 465,000 new permanent residents into the fold. Hence, this has to do with having a swift and effective immigration process. Not only does increasing the frequency of draws work in line with such benefits, but it also tends to manage the substantial number of applications under the pool.
These recent invitations are part of the Federal High Skilled program. It’s candidates drawn from Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). With such frequent invitations, one can safely assume that IRCC is making a clear move toward processing applications faster to deliver on its targets, maintaining high standards of immigration quality.
Effect on CRS Scores
Express Entry draws are based on the Comprehensive Ranking Score( CRS), which is a points-based ranking that takes into account the age, education, work experience, and language proficiency of candidates. Most ITA acknowledgments are for candidates who have high scores. Although Surrey cuts for the recent draws were at a high, the frequency of the draws created a new sense of urgency for applicants.
However, there was an increased chance under more draws for Express Entry candidates to improve their CRS score through extra work experience, bettering their language test scores, and getting a provincial nomination. This is good for those who may not get an ITA but were almost eligible for one.
For candidates, What Does This Look Like in Parade?
A mixed promise and doubt will be in the air for the Express Entry candidates with this new intensified Regular draw schedule. After all, all the faces that have missed previous draws now have a chance at an opportunity again, although they are not likely to so well end in getting an EITA every round because there will be so many participants competing for a limited few.
Likewise, the increased actions of the IRCC may signal that there would be more frequent draws into 2025, an excellent time for candidates to check that their profiles are complete and up to date. Those candidates not yet in the pool should consider submitting their profiles immediately so they can take advantage of future draws.
Also Read: 6 Strong Reasons to Start Your Canada Pension Plan (CPP) at Age 60
