Express Entry: A Year in Review
September 4, 2024
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The Express Entry system has become a cornerstone of Canada's immigration policy, shaping the landscape of skilled worker migration. In 2023, this system underwent significant changes, influencing the dreams and aspirations of countless individuals seeking Canadian permanent residence. The introduction of category-based draws and fluctuations in CRS scores have profoundly affected the selection process, making it crucial to analyze these developments and their implications for prospective immigrants.
Want to learn more about the most recent year in Canada's Express Entry system? Then, take a look below at the major updates and trends in Canada's Express Entry system over the past year and their effects on immigration applicants.
Overview of Express Entry System in 2023
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced several key changes aimed at addressing national labor gaps and demographic challenges. These modifications were designed to better align the immigration process with the country’s evolving economic and social needs. The updated system reflects a strategic shift to attract skilled workers in critical sectors and regions.
Category-based Selection Draws
Category-based selection is a key enhancement to Canada's Express Entry system, designed to address economic and labor market needs better. From late November 2022 to January 2023, a public consultation was conducted to refine Express Entry through category-based selection. Feedback indicated strong support for addressing labor shortages in transport, trade, healthcare, agriculture, and IT while boosting Francophone immigration and supporting Francophone communities.
As a result, the Minister introduced six categories for 2023, focusing on French-language proficiency and critical occupations such as:
- Healthcare,
- Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics (STEM),
- Trades,
- Transport, and
- Agriculture and Agri-Food.
Candidates with relevant experience or French language skills were invited to apply for permanent residence under these categories.
Impact on Immigration Targets
The implementation of category-based draws significantly impacted immigration targets. Since introducing this new system, IRCC has conducted 25 category-based draws over the year. These draws varied greatly regarding CRS cut-off scores and the number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued. The CRS cut-off scores ranged from as low as 336 for a French language proficiency draw to as high as 491 for a STEM occupations draw.
This variation reflects the diverse needs of different sectors and the government's efforts to address specific labor shortages. The number of ITAs issued in each draw also fluctuated significantly, with some draws issuing as few as 150 invitations and others issuing up to 7,000.
Number of Express Entry Profiles Submitted in 2023
In 2023, Canada's Express Entry system substantially increased activity, with 488,571 profiles submitted. This marks a 14% rise compared to 2022. The growing number of submissions reflects a heightened interest in Canada's immigration pathways. However, the proportion of these profiles eligible for at least one Federal High-Skilled (FHS) immigration program managed by Express Entry saw a slight decrease.
In 2023, 70% of profiles met the criteria for these programs, down from 74% in 2022. This decrease suggests that while more candidates are applying, there has been a minor shift in eligibility rates for federal immigration programs. The table below outlines the changes to how many Express Entry profiles were submitted in 2023 compared to 2022.
| Express Entry Profiles Submitted | In 2022 | In 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Profiles Submitted | 428,391 | 488,571 |
| Eligible Profiles Submitted | 318,828 | 343,875 |
| Ineligible Profiles | 109,563 | 144,696 |
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score distribution among eligible profiles submitted in 2023 shows notable variations. The range of CRS scores reflects the competitive nature of the Express Entry pool and highlights the changing priorities of the immigration system. Higher scores often correlate with greater chances of receiving an ITA for permanent residency.
| CRS Score Range | Total in 2023 |
|---|---|
| 701-1200 | 12 |
| 651-700 | 76 |
| 601-650 | 300 |
| 551-600 | 1,241 |
| 501-550 | 13,970 |
| 451-500 | 90,692 |
| 401-450 | 88,641 |
| 351-400 | 91,937 |
| 301-350 | 46,806 |
| 251-300 | 6,656 |
| 201-250 | 2,307 |
| 151-200 | 986 |
| 101-150 | 218 |
| 1-100 | 33 |
| Total | 343,875 |
How Many Invitations Were Issued Per Category to Apply for Express Entry?
The number of ITAs issued in Express Entry varied significantly across different occupational categories and draw types throughout 2023. Each draw targeted specific professions and skill sets in response to labor market needs and demographic shifts. The variation in ITA issuance reflects the dynamic nature of Canada’s immigration strategy, which adjusts to address the country’s immediate economic requirements.
By Economic Immigration Program
In 2023, the number of invitations issued for Canadian permanent residency under the Express Entry system was significant, reflecting the country's commitment to welcoming skilled immigrants. These invitations were issued based on various economic immigration programs designed to meet specific labor market demands. The volume of invitations highlights the ongoing demand for skilled workers and the importance of immigration in supporting Canada’s economic growth.
| Invitation to Apply Date | Round Type | CRS Cut-Off | Canadian Experience Class | Provincial | Federal Skilled Worker | Total ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/11/2023 | Generic | 507 | 1,927 | 2,817 | 756 | 5,500 |
| 1/18/2023 | Generic | 490 | 3,628 | 592 | 1,280 | 5,500 |
| 2/1/2023 | PNP | 733 | 893 | 893 | ||
| 2/2/2023 | FSW | 489 | 3,300 | 3,300 | ||
| 2/15/2023 | PNP | 791 | 699 | 699 | ||
| 3/1/2023 | PNP | 748 | 667 | 667 | ||
| 3/15/2023 | Generic | 490 | 4,919 | 832 | 1,249 | 7,000 |
| 3/23/2023 | Generic | 484 | 4,302 | 445 | 2,252 | 7,000 |
| 3/29/2023 | Generic | 481 | 3,383 | 310 | 3,307 | 7,000 |
| 4/12/2023 | Generic | 486 | 2,437 | 474 | 589 | 3,500 |
| 4/26/2023 | Generic | 483 | 2,027 | 599 | 874 | 3,500 |
| 5/10/2023 | PNP | 691 | 589 | 589 | ||
| 5/24/2023 | Generic | 488 | 3,288 | 621 | 891 | 4,800 |
| 6/8/2023 | Generic | 486 | 3,025 | 970 | 805 | 4,800 |
| 6/27/2023 | Generic | 486 | 2,196 | 1,256 | 848 | 4,300 |
| 7/4/2023 | Generic | 511 | 269 | 370 | 61 | 700 |
| 7/5/2023 | CBS STEM | 486 | 500 | |||
| 7/6/2023 | CBS HC | 463 | 1,500 | |||
| 7/7/2023 | CBS Fr Sp | 439 | 2,300 | |||
| 7/11/2023 | Generic | 505 | 349 | 370 | 81 | 800 |
| 7/12/2023 | CBS Fr Sp | 375 | ||||
| 8/1/2023 | Generic | 517 | 551 | 1,295 | 154 | 2,000 |
| 8/2/2023 | CBS Fr Sp | 435 | 800 | |||
| 8/3/2023 | CBS Trades | 388 | 1,500 | |||
| 8/15/2023 | Generic | 496 | 2,854 | 1,000 | 446 | 4,300 |
| 9/19/2023 | Generic | 531 | 424 | 2,643 | 133 | 3,200 |
| 9/20/2023 | CBS Trans | 435 | 1,000 | |||
| 9/26/2023 | Generic | 504 | 1,904 | 680 | 416 | 3,000 |
| 9/27/2023 | CBS Fr Sp | 472 | 500 | |||
| 9/28/2023 | CBS Agr | 354 | 600 | |||
| 10/10/2023 | Generic | 500 | 2,163 | 1,237 | 325 | 3,725 |
| 10/24/2023 | PNP | 776 | 1,548 | 1,548 | ||
| 10/25/2023 | CBS Fr Sp | 486 | 300 | |||
| 10/26/2023 | CBS HC | 431 | 3,600 | |||
| 12/6/2023 | Generic | 561 | 183 | 4,505 | 62 | 4,750 |
| 12/7/2023 | CBS Fr Sp | 470 | 1,000 | |||
| 12/8/2023 | CBS STEM | 481 | 5,900 | |||
| 12/18/2023 | Generic | 542 | 223 | 1,033 | 69 | 1,325 |
| 12/19/2023 | CBS Trades | 425 | 1,000 | |||
| 12/20/2023 | CBS Trans | 435 | 670 | |||
| 12/21/2023 | CBS Agr | 386 | 400 | |||
| Total | 40,052 | 26,445 | 17,898 | 110,266 |
By Occupational Category
The distribution of invitations for permanent residency under Express Entry in 2023 varied by occupational category. Each category saw different levels of issuance, reflecting the targeted nature of Canada’s immigration policy. This variation indicates the emphasis on attracting talent in specific sectors and professions critical to the nation’s economic development.
| Invitation to Apply Date | Round Type (Occupation) | CRS Cut-Off | Canadian Experience Class | Federal Skilled Worker | CBS Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-06-28 | CBS Healthcare Occupation | 476 | 164 | 336 | 500 |
| 2023-07-05 | CBS STEM Occupation | 486 | 460 | 40 | 500 |
| 2023-07-06 | CBS Healthcare Occupation | 463 | 472 | 1,028 | 1,500 |
| 2023-07-07 | CBS French-Speaker | 439 | 166 | 2,134 | 2,300 |
| 2023-07-12 | CBS French-Speaker | 375 | 133 | 3,663 | 3,800 |
| 2023-08-02 | CBS French-Speaker | 435 | 72 | 728 | 800 |
| 2023-08-03 | CBS Trade | 388 | 1,357 | 141 | 1500 |
| 2023-09-20 | CBS Transport | 435 | 757 | 243 | 1,000 |
| 2023-09-27 | CBS French-Speaker | 472 | 74 | 426 | 500 |
| 2023-09-28 | CBS Agriculture | 354 | 332 | 268 | 600 |
| 2023-10-25 | CBS French-Speaker | 486 | 69 | 231 | 300 |
| 2023-10-26 | CBS Healthcare Occupation | 431 | 1,624 | 1,976 | 3,600 |
| 2023-12-07 | CBS French-Speaker | 470 | 177 | 823 | 1,000 |
| 2023-12-08 | CBS STEM Occupation | 481 | 4,706 | 1,194 | 5,900 |
| 2023-12-19 | CBS Trade | 425 | 895 | 105 | 1,000 |
| 2023-12-20 | CBS Transport | 435 | 502 | 168 | 670 |
| 2023-12-21 | CBS Agriculture | 386 | 113 | 286 | 400 |
| Total | 12,073 | 13,790 | 25,870 |
What Are the Most Common Primary Occupations Upon Submission of ITAs for Express Entry?
The most common applicant occupations receiving ITAs in 2023 included a range of professions, each associated with specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes and Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) categories. These occupations were in high demand due to their alignment with Canada’s labor market needs. The list of common occupations provides insight into the types of skills and experience that are currently sought after in the Express Entry system.
| Occupations | NOC Code | TEER Category | Total Nr in 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineers and Designers | CBS Healthcare Occupation | 476 | 164 |
| Software Developers and Programmers | CBS STEM Occupation | 486 | 460 |
| Food Service Supervisors | CBS Healthcare Occupation | 463 | 472 |
| Information Systems Specialists | CBS French-Speaker | 439 | 166 |
| Administrative Assistants | CBS French-Speaker | 375 | 133 |
| Database Analysts and Data Administrators | CBS French-Speaker | 435 | 72 |
| Professional Occupations in Advertising, Marketing and Public relations | CBS Trade | 388 | 1,357 |
| Financial Auditors and Accountants | CBS Transport | 435 | 757 |
| User Support Technicians | CBS French-Speaker | 472 | 74 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | CBS Agriculture | 354 | 332 |
| Administrative Officers | CBS French-Speaker | 486 | 69 |
| Data Scientists | CBS Healthcare Occupation | 431 | 1,624 |
| Business Systems Specialists | CBS French-Speaker | 470 | 177 |
| Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers | CBS STEM Occupation | 481 | 4,706 |
| Computer Systems Developers and Programmers | CBS Trade | 425 | 895 |
| Other Occupations | CBS Agriculture | 386 | 113 |
| Total | 12,073 |
What Are the Most Common Countries of Residence and Citizenship Among Candidates Who Received an ITA?
In 2023, the table of most common countries of residence and citizenship among ITA recipients reveals diverse global origins. This data highlights the international appeal of Canada’s Express Entry system and its ability to attract skilled individuals from various countries. The variety of countries represented among ITA recipients underscores the global reach of Canada’s immigration efforts.
| Country of Residence | ITAs in 2023 | Country of Citizenship | ITAs in 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 7,394 | India | 164 |
| Federal Republic of Cameroon | 3,828 | Nigeria | 460 |
| Nigeria | 3,822 | People's Republic of China | 472 |
| United States of America | 2,526 | Federal Republic of Cameroon | 166 |
| Morocco | 1,681 | Iran | 133 |
| Algeria | 1,349 | Philippines | 72 |
| Pakistan | 1,173 | Pakistan | 1,357 |
| United Kingdom and Overseas Territories | 1,157 | Morocco | 757 |
| United Arab Emirates | 1,051 | Brazil | 74 |
| Algeria | 1,592 | ||
| Other Countries | 9,494 + 27,439 | ||
| Total | 110,26612,073 | ||
How Many People Qualified for Category-Based Selection in Express Entry?
The number of candidates who qualified for category-based selection in the Express Entry pool in 2023 varied according to specific selection criteria. This category-based approach aimed to address targeted labor market needs and support demographic goals. The data on category-based selections illustrates the adaptability of the Express Entry system in responding to evolving immigration priorities. Here are the number of candidates who qualified for category-based selection in the Express Entry pool in 2023.
| CBS Category | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| CBS Agriculture | 419 | 296 |
| CBS French Speakers | 3,722 | 3,526 |
| CBS Health Care | 2,467 | 7,296 |
| CBS STEM | 30,367 | 14,822 |
| CBS Trade | 3,496 | 549 |
| CBS Transport | 4,245 | 298 |
| All Candidates in the Pool | 110,441 | 100,418 |
Now that you have a general overview of last year's trends in Canada's Express Entry system, you can begin your one journey to Canadian permanent residency using the guidance of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).
FAQs
How Long Does it Take to Process Express Entry Applications?
The processing time for Express Entry applications typically ranges from six to twelve months. This duration can vary based on the complexity of the application and the volume of applications being processed. Applicants can check the status of their application online through the IRCC portal for updates.
How Can One Appeal an Express Entry Decision?
To appeal an Express Entry decision, applicants must submit a request for reconsideration or a judicial review to the Federal Court of Canada. It is important to provide valid grounds for the appeal and any new evidence that may affect the decision. Consulting with an immigration lawyer can help you navigate the appeal process effectively.
What Strategies Can You Use to Improve Your CRS Score?
To improve your CRS score, consider enhancing your language test results, gaining additional work experience, or obtaining a higher level of education. Securing a job offer from a Canadian employer or a provincial nomination can also significantly boost your score. Regularly updating your profile and improving any weaknesses can help maximize your points.
Learn how to maximize your CRS score.
What Are the Next Steps After Receiving an ITA?
After receiving an ITA, you must submit a complete application for permanent residence within the specified timeframe. This involves providing detailed documentation, undergoing medical examinations, and obtaining police clearances. Ensure all documents are accurate and submitted promptly to avoid delays in the processing of your application.