Last Updated On 10 August 2024, 9:56 AM EDT (Toronto Time)

Canada’s Express Entry system remains a key gateway for skilled immigrants and rightly so as it can confer permanent residency on selected candidates within 6 months.

The recently published Express Entry Year-End Report 2023 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sheds light on the latest trends, statistics, and outcomes of the system.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the report’s findings, updated to provide a complete understanding of the current state of Express Entry.

Introduction

The Express Entry system, launched in 2015, is the primary tool for managing skilled worker applications under Canada’s three federal immigration programs:

The system also includes a segment for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), allowing provinces and territories to nominate individuals for immigration.

The 2023 year-end report provides an in-depth analysis of the system’s performance over the past year, offering key insights for stakeholders and prospective immigrants alike.

Key Insights from 2023

The report reveals that the total number of profiles submitted in 2023 saw a significant increase compared to previous years.

A notable trend was the higher proportion of candidates with Canadian work experience, which played a crucial role in determining the success of applications.

Additionally, the overall number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued also rose, reflecting Canada’s continued commitment to welcoming skilled workers.

Detailed Statistics and Trends

Total Profiles Submitted

In 2023, a total of 380,984 profiles were submitted through the Express Entry system, marking an increase from the previous year.

This rise highlights the growing appeal of Canada as a destination for skilled immigrants.

Number of ineligible and eligible profiles submitted, 2021-2023	2021	2022	2023
Number of Eligible Profiles	326,257	318,828	343,875
Number of Ineligible Profiles	116,746	109,563	144,696
Total Profiles Submitted	443,003	428,391	488,571

As you can see there were highest number of ineligible profiles as compared to previous year.

So we would suggest using the below useful link to re-check your eligibility for Express Entry:

The table below compares the number of profiles submitted over the past three years:

Year	Total Profiles Submitted
2021	300,000+
2022	318,828
2023	380,984

CRS Score Distribution

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score remains a crucial factor in the selection of candidates.

In 2023, the majority of profiles had CRS scores between 451–500, indicating a competitive pool of candidates.

The following table shows the distribution of CRS scores among the profiles submitted:

CRS Score Range	Percentage of Profiles
451–500	50%
401–450	30%
351–400	15%
301–350	5%

The table reflects the importance of achieving a high CRS score to enhance the likelihood of receiving an ITA.

Breakdown by Immigration Programs

The Express Entry system manages applications for several immigration programs. Here’s how each program performed in 2023:

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The CEC continued to dominate, with over half of all ITAs issued under this program.

This trend highlights the preference for candidates with Canadian work experience, who are often seen as better suited to integrate into the Canadian labor market.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

The FSWP accounted for 25% of ITAs, with a notable increase in the number of candidates from this program.

This program remains a vital pathway for skilled workers with no prior Canadian experience but with significant qualifications and work experience.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

While the FSTP accounted for a smaller percentage of ITAs, it remains an important option for skilled tradespeople, especially those in occupations facing labor shortages in Canada.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The PNP saw a steady increase in the number of ITAs issued, accounting for 15% of the total.

This program allows provinces to select candidates who meet specific regional labor market needs.

Provincial Distribution of ITAs

Ontario remained the leading destination for new immigrants, receiving the highest number of ITAs.

British Columbia and Alberta followed, highlighting their strong economies and need for skilled workers.

The table below summarizes the distribution of ITAs by province:

Province	Percentage of ITAs Issued
Ontario	45%
British Columbia	22%
Alberta	18%
Other Provinces	15%

Most Common Primary Occupations Receiving an Invitation in 2023

Primary Occupation	TEER	2023 #
21231 Software engineers and designers	1	7,259
21232 Software developers and programmers	1	5,183
62020 Food service supervisors	2	3,277
21222 Information systems specialists	1	2,951
13110 Administrative assistants	3	2,538
21223 Database analysts and data administrators	1	2,151
11202 Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations	1	2,142
11100 Financial auditors and accountants	1	2,090
22221 User support technicians	2	1,844
20012 Computer and information systems managers	0	1,841
13100 Administrative officers	3	1,747
21211 Data scientists	1	1,654
21221 Business systems specialists	1	1,600
12200 Accounting technicians and bookkeepers	2	1,599
21230 Computer systems developers and programmers	1	1,475
Other		70,915
Total		110,266

Demographic Overview

The demographic profile of candidates selected through Express Entry in 2023 provides insights into the diversity and qualifications of incoming immigrants:

Age: The majority of successful candidates were between 25 and 34 years old, aligning with Canada’s preference for younger immigrants who can contribute to the workforce for an extended period.
Education: A significant proportion of candidates held a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting the emphasis on education as a key factor in the selection process.
Country of Origin: India continued to be the leading source country, followed by Nigeria and China, which indicates a strong interest in Canadian immigration from these regions.

Policy Changes and Future Outlook

Several policy changes were introduced in 2023, aimed at improving the efficiency of the Express Entry system and aligning it more closely with Canada’s economic goals.

These changes include targeted draws for specific occupations, increased emphasis on French language proficiency, and a focus on candidates with experience in critical sectors such as healthcare and technology.

Looking ahead, the Express Entry system is expected to continue evolving in response to Canada’s economic needs.

Future policy adjustments may include further refinements to the CRS criteria and additional targeted draws to address specific labor market shortages.

Conclusion

The Express Entry Year-End Report 2023 provides a comprehensive overview of the system’s performance, offering valuable insights for prospective immigrants and policymakers.

With a record number of profiles submitted and ITAs issued, Canada remains a top destination for skilled workers worldwide.

As the system continues to evolve, staying informed about these changes is crucial for anyone considering immigration to Canada through Express Entry.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.