Express Entry pool has over 154,000 FSWP candidates waiting
There were 193,148 candidates in the January 4th, 2022 Express Entry pool. However, more than 154,000 of these candidates fall under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), according to a report that IRCC provided to CIC News. The Express Entry pool breakdown showed there was:
- 154,421 Federal Skilled Worker Program Candidates
- 38,223 Canadian Experience Class Candidates
- 577 Federal Skilled Trades Program Candidates
- 344 Provincial/Territorial Nominee Candidates
<<Read: Comparing Express Entry programs>>
In November 2021, IRCC explained that in order to support its target of welcoming 401,000 immigrants to Canada, it had to stop FSWP invitations in December 2020. The strategy in 2021 was then to invite CEC candidates and candidates under the TR to PR pathway. The rationale behind this strategy was that the majority of CEC candidates were based in Canada. Unfortunately, we started 2022 with 80% of FSWP waiting in the Express Entry pool of January 4th.
It is also important to mention that Express Entry profiles are valid for one year in the pool. This means that some FSWP applicants that applied in 2021, will have to re-submit their profiles if they want to try again.
The Immigration Levels Plan for 2021-2023 calls for 411,000 new permanent residents to be admitted in 2022, and 421,000 new permanent residents to be admitted in 2023. Will this include FSWP candidates? Let’s explore what the government has said so far.
What to expect from Canadian immigration this year?
As you already know, COVID-19 contributed to the backlog of 1.8 million immigration applications in categories such as temporary residence, permanent residence, Canadian citizenship, and more. However, on December 14, 2021, the Minister of Finance proposed $85 million to reduce the backlog in Canada’s immigration system. According to the government, this investment will:
- speed up the process of citizenship,
- reunite families,
- and welcome immigrants who can help address Canada’s labour shortages.
In addition, to address the labour shortages in 2022, the immigration mandate letter talked about simplifying work permit renewals, as part of improving the Global Talent Stream of the TFWP. It also talked about improving foreign credential recognition.
In 2022, we can also expect special pathways to permanent residence for international students. The mandate letter talked about expanding pathways to PR for international students and temporary foreign workers through the EE system.
Also, we may see Canada granting amnesty to some workers. The mandate letter talked about regularizing status for undocumented workers who are contributing to Canadian communities.
The minister may also introduce a program to issue temporary resident status to spouses and children abroad while they wait for their application.
<<Read: Canada to change travel restrictions for immediate family members>>
Other Canadian immigration priorities
- Introduce electronic applications for family reunification.
- Make the citizenship application process free for permanent residents who meet the requirements.
- Establish a Trusted Employer system for Canadian companies hiring temporary foreign workers.
- Support the French-language knowledge of immigrants in Quebec. Moreover, the Minister of Immigration must support Francophone immigration across the country.
- Keep working with the United States to modernize the Safe Third Country Agreement.
- Welcome 2,000 skilled refugees to fill labour shortages in high-demand sectors such as health care.
- Ensure that immigration better supports small- and medium-size communities that require additional immigrants. As usual, this will include expanding the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, Municipal Nominee Program, and Atlantic Immigration Pilot.
- Act with urgency to provide resettlement opportunities for people under threat, including Afghan citizens and human rights defenders.
Let us help!
If you have general questions about Express Entry -or other programs- you may fill out the following form. Of course, if you have specific questions, please book an appointment. You may fill out our assessment form as well.
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