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In a noteworthy development, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued invitations to apply (ITAs) in the third Express Entry draw of the week. This draw highlights IRCC’s dynamic approach to meeting Canada’s labor market needs and managing its immigration system.

Healthcare Occupations Draw

On July 5, IRCC conducted a category-based selection draw specifically for healthcare occupations, issuing 3,750 ITAs. Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 445 to be considered. This draw reflects the Canadian government’s priority to address the country’s healthcare workforce needs by inviting skilled professionals from around the world.

Recent Draws Recap

This healthcare-specific draw followed two other significant draws earlier in the week:

1. July 4, 2024: A category-based selection draw for 1,800 candidates in trade occupations.
2. July 2, 2024: A draw exclusively for candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), issuing 920 ITAs to those with a minimum CRS score of 739.

With these three draws combined, the total number of ITAs issued this week reaches 6,470, the highest number of ITAs issued in a single week since April.

Trends in Program-Specific Draws

The recent surge in program-specific draws, which began earlier this year, highlights IRCC’s strategic approach to immigration. Since May 30, IRCC has conducted four program-specific draws, three of which focused on PNP candidates. These targeted draws are designed to meet specific labor market needs and support Canada’s economic goals.

Program-Specific vs. Category-Based Draws

Program-specific draws consider candidates from specific Express Entry programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). In contrast, category-based selection draws, introduced in May 2023, allow IRCC to target candidates with in-demand skills or attributes, irrespective of their CRS scores.

Supporting Temporary Residents

The recent emphasis on program-specific and category-based draws aligns with IRCC’s efforts to stabilize the high levels of temporary residents in Canada. By offering more pathways to permanent residency (PR), IRCC aims to help temporary residents, such as those on work or study permits, transition to PR status. This strategy not only meets the immigration targets but also reduces the number of temporary residents in Canada.

Meeting Immigration Targets

The focus on candidates currently residing in Canada or with Canadian experience ensures that IRCC can meet its yearly target for “Federal High Skilled Workers” (Express Entry) as outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan. This approach leverages the existing pool of temporary residents, who are often well-integrated into Canadian society and the labor market.

Summary of Express Entry Draw Results in 2024

Below is a summary of the Express Entry draw results so far in 2024:

Date	Draw Type	Number of ITAs	Minimum CRS
July 16	Provincial Nominee Program	1,391	670
July 8	French proficiency	3,200	420
July 5	Healthcare occupations	3,750	445
July 4	Trade occupations	1,800	436
July 2	Provincial Nominee Program	920	739
June 19	Provincial Nominee Program	1,499	663
May 31	Canadian Experience Class	3,000	522
May 30	Provincial Nominee Program	2,985	676
April 24	French proficiency	1,400	410
April 23	General	2,095	529
April 11	STEM occupations	4,500	491
April 10	General	1,280	549
March 26	French language proficiency	1,500	388
March 25	General	1,980	524
March 13	Transport occupations	975	430
March 12	General	2,850	525
February 29	French language proficiency	2,500	336
February 28	General	1,470	534
February 16	Agriculture and agri-food	150	437
February 14	Healthcare occupations	3,500	422
February 13	General	1,490	535
February 1	French language proficiency	7,000	365
January 31	General	730	541
January 23	General	1,040	543
January 10	General	1,510	546

Understanding Express Entry

The Express Entry application management system, introduced in 2015, aims to attract and process applications from candidates with in-demand skills. It oversees the FSWP, FSTP, and CEC programs. Candidates are assessed based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which considers factors such as age, work experience, education, language ability, and occupation. Higher CRS scores increase the likelihood of receiving an ITA.

What is Category-Based Selection?

Category-based selection draws, introduced in 2023, enable IRCC to invite candidates with specific skills or attributes needed in Canada’s workforce. The six categories for 2024 include:

1. Healthcare occupations
2. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
3. Trades occupations (e.g., carpenters, plumbers)
4. Transport occupations
5. Agriculture and agri-food occupations
6. French-language proficiency

These draws focus on specific skills, often resulting in lower CRS scores compared to general draws. Stay tuned with Swift Immigration Solution for more updates as we continue to unravel the latest news of Canada’s Immigration Policies and provide you with the tools you need for a successful immigration journey.

The Express Entry system, Canada’s flagship immigration pathway for skilled workers, has seen notable changes in 2024. From adjustments in draw types to variations in Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, these modifications have reshaped the landscape of Express Entry. This article delves into how the issuance of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the first half of 2024 compares to the same period in 2023 and what these trends suggest for the rest of the year.

ITAs Issued in the First Six Months of 2023: In the first half of 2023, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held 13 Express Entry draws, issuing a total of 49,948 ITAs. The draw types included:

• General (encompassing the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP))
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• FSWP-specific draws

ITAs Issued in the First Six Months of 2024: In contrast, the first six months of 2024 saw IRCC conducting 19 Express Entry draws, issuing a total of 41,855 ITAs. The draw types expanded to include:

• General draws
• French language proficiency
• Healthcare occupations
• Agriculture and Agri-food occupations
• Transport occupations
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations
• PNP-specific draws
• CEC-specific draws

The introduction of category-based selection draws is a new policy within the Express Entry system, allowing candidates in specific fields to be invited for permanent residence based on their qualifications rather than solely on CRS scores.

Comparing ITAs and Draws Between 2023 and 2024: Several contrasts emerge when comparing the data from both years:

• Number of Draws: 2024 saw more draws (19) compared to 2023 (13).
• Number of ITAs: Despite more draws in 2024, fewer ITAs were issued (41,855) compared to 2023 (49,948).
• Draw Frequency and Size:
  • 2023 General Draws:
    • Frequency: 8
    • Average draw size: 5,475 ITAs
    • Average CRS cut-off score: 489
  • 2024 General Draws:
    • Frequency: 9
    • Average draw size: 1,605 ITAs
    • Average CRS cut-off score: 536

These differences can be attributed to the new category-based selection draws, which impact the overall composition of the Express Entry pool and potentially lead to higher CRS cut-off scores in general draws.

Implications for the Remainder of 2024: The issuance of 7,000 fewer ITAs in the first half of 2024 compared to 2023 poses a significant question about the strategy for the remainder of the year. According to the immigration levels plan released by IRCC, Express Entry (under “Federal High-Skilled”) has an allocation of 110,770 for 2024, an increase from the 82,800 targets in 2023.

This allocation is for landings (when a new permanent resident formalizes their status in Canada), not just ITAs. Given IRCC’s service standard of six months for processing Express Entry applications, ITAs issued in late 2023 and early 2024 contribute to the 2024 landing targets.

Future Projections: To meet the higher immigration targets for 2024, IRCC may increase the frequency and size of draws in the latter half of the year. This approach would align with the need to compensate for the fewer ITAs issued in the first six months and ensure the levels plan targets are met.

In conclusion,Express Entry in 2024 has undergone significant changes, from the introduction of category-based draws to higher CRS cut-off scores. While fewer ITAs have been issued so far compared to 2023, IRCC’s strategy for the remainder of the year may involve more frequent and larger draws to meet immigration targets. Prospective applicants should stay informed about these trends and prepare accordingly to enhance their chances of receiving an ITA. We at Swift Immigration will continue to watch these developments closely and keep you updated as the situation evolves. The world of immigration is ever-changing, and staying informed is your best ally in navigating this complex process.

Introduction: As a foreign worker in Canada, the expiration of your work permit can be a stressful time, especially if you haven’t received your new Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or Certificated Acceptation du Quebec (CAQ). Fortunately, you can still apply for an extension of your work permit even without these documents. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to navigate this process.

Understanding LMIAs and CAQs:

What is an LMIA? A Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that Canadian employers must obtain to hire temporary foreign workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), an LMIA confirms that hiring a foreign worker will have a positive or neutral impact on the Canadian labor market.

What is a CAQ? The Certificat d’Acceptation du Quebec (CAQ) is required for foreign workers and students in Quebec. Issued by the Government of Quebec, a CAQ indicates that the applicant meets provincial admission criteria, allowing them to secure a work or study permit. Quebec-based employers must obtain both an LMIA and a CAQ to hire foreign workers.

Extending Your Work Permit Without an LMIA or CAQ:

Eligibility to Apply for an Extension: You can apply to extend your work permit if it is set to expire within two weeks of your application date. While you do not need to have your new LMIA and CAQ at the time of application, you must provide proof of your job offer and evidence that you have requested these documents.

Proof of LMIA and CAQ Requests: To apply for a work permit extension, you need to include supplementary documents demonstrating that you have applied for your LMIA and CAQ. Acceptable proofs include:

• Copy of LMIA and CAQ Application Submissions: Upload copies of your application submissions.
• Receipt Confirmation Numbers: Upload the receipt confirmation numbers for online applications.
• Details in Work Permit Application: In the “Details of Intended Work in Canada” section of your application, include the date the LMIA/CAQ request was sent, the office it was sent to, your employer’s name, and the submission confirmation number (if available).

For online applications in Quebec, you can upload the CAQ receipt confirmation number or a copy of the CAQ application in place of the new CAQ.

After Receiving Your LMIA and CAQ:

Providing Proof to IRCC: Within 60 days of IRCC receiving your work permit extension application, you must submit proof of your new LMIA and CAQ. Failing to provide this proof may result in your application being refused.

Consulting an Immigration Consultant : If your work permit is nearing expiration and you are unsure about the process, consulting an immigration consultant can provide valuable guidance. A lawyer can help ensure that you have all necessary documents and proof for your work permit extension, reducing the risk of application refusal.

In conclusion, extending your work permit in Canada without an immediate LMIA or CAQ can be challenging but is manageable with the right approach. By providing evidence of your job offer and proof that you have applied for the necessary documents, you can navigate the extension process smoothly. Stay tuned with Swift Immigration Solution for more updates as we continue to help number of new immigrants for their successful immigration journey.