For the first time Canada holds a Federal Skilled Workers-only draw
On February 2nd, Canada held a surprise draw and invited 3,300 candidates to apply for permanent residence. For the first time since Express Entry began in 2015, the draw targeted candidates in the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 489 points.
The FSWP is for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade. Applicants are normally young, highly educated, have some work experience, and know English or French.
This is the fourth Express Entry draw of 2023. Moreover, it is the second program-specific Express Entry draw. The first one was held on February 1st, and targeted 893 candidates who had previously received a nomination from a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
It is important to mention that the way Canada is holding draws in 2023 has been unexpected. Usually, Express Entry draws take place every two weeks on Wednesdays. However, in January, Canada held draws in two consecutive weeks after an unexpected six-week pause following the draw on November 23.
You can check the most recent draws in the following table.
<<Glitch in the Express Entry system>>
Recent Express Entry results
| February 1, 2023 | 893 candidates invited | 733 CRS points |
| January 18, 2023 | 5,500 candidates invited | 490 CRS points |
| January 11, 2023 | 5,500 candidates invited | 507 CRS points |
| November 23, 2022 | 4,750 candidates invited | 491 CRS points |
| November 9, 2022 | 4,750 candidates invited | 494 CRS points |
| October 26, 2022 | 4,750 candidates invited | 496 CRS points |
| October 12, 2022 | 4,250 candidates invited | 500 CRS points |
| September 28, 2022 | 3,750 candidates invited | 504 CRS points |
| September 14, 2022 | 3,250 candidates invited | 510 CRS points |
| August 30, 2022 | 2,750 candidates invited | 516 CRS points |
| August 17, 2022 | 2,250 candidates invited | 525 CRS points |
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is now expected to implement targeted Express Entry draws in the first quarter of this year.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is an online system that Canada uses to manage applications for permanent residence under 3 programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade. Applicants are normally young, highly educated, have some work experience, and know English or French.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently. Applicants in this group are normally licensed plumbers, welders, etc.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): skilled workers who have at least one year of full-time Canadian work experience in a professional capacity.
If you are not familiar with these options, please click the links and read the relevant articles. Regardless, you may also find the following articles helpful.
- The Express Entry process in Canada
- Comparing Express Entry programs
- Canada to conduct targeted Express Entry draws in 2023
- Minimum Requirements for Express Entry Canada
- Express Entry Points and CRS Calculator
<<Also Read: Canada to welcome up to 500,000 new immigrants in 2025>>
What to do if you receive an invitation to apply?
If you were invited to apply for permanent residence, you’ll get a message in your account telling you:
- Which program you’ve been invited to apply for
- What to do next
Also, you’ll need to show proof of the information you gave in your EE profile. IRCC will assess whether the information you submit in your application is different from what was in your profile. If the information is false or left out important details, IRCC could:
- Refuse your application
- Find you inadmissible
- Bar you for 5 years from applying to come to Canada for any reason
<<Also Read: Canada will conduct targeted Express Entry draws next year>>
Assistance with ITAs? Let us help!
If you need help with your Express Entry application 2023 or ITAs, please fill out the following form. Of course, you may alternatively book a consultation session or fill out our free assessment form for other immigration options to Canada.
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