Last Updated On 3 April 2023, 10:15 AM EDT (Toronto Time)

Since we all know that the targeted Express Entry draws are projected to start this year and an official announcement is already due, in accordance with BillC19.

The IRCC feedback process on the new proposed categories of Express Entry ended on January 8, 2023.

These 4 proposed categories criteria has almost provided clarity on what we can expect from the targeted draws.

This could also be one of the reasons that IRCC has not conducted any Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw so far.

You can read details on New Express Entry Targeted Draw Categories here.

In this article, we delve into how these new targeted draws will affect Express Entry applicants.

Targeted Express Entry Draws-Know New Categories Proposed By IRCC

Express Entry Candidates With Certain Occupations/NOCs Will Benefit The Most

IRCC consultation in first proposed category clearly stated selection based on work experience in specific occupation or sectors with significant labor shortages.

This proposed category listed below occupations as the most invited between 2019 and 2021.

food service supervisors
administrative assistants
financial auditors and accountants
retail sales supervisors
software engineers and designers
professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations
cooks
computer programmers and interactive media developers
information systems analysts and consultants
user support technicians
restaurant and food service managers
administrative officers

Based on these, we can say that Express Entry candidates with experience in similar high demand occupations can get invitation at low CRS score in a targeted draw.

So FSW and CEC candidates in the pool with experience in key occupations may have a chance with even lower score.

This could be similar to recently introduced Manitoba PNP occupation-specific draws, but for all programs.

Better Opportunity For International Students and Work Permit Holders in Key Sectors

Canada has always been working on retaining international talent and filling labour gaps, in competition with other G7 countries.

IRCC has consistently stated that one of its top goals is to assist overseas graduates in obtaining PR status.

Graduates with a degree or diploma in in-demand fields, from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) could be targeted in the new selections.

We can confidently predict that graduates with education and job experience in the main targeted areas will have the best probability of obtaining an ITA for international students.

Future Of Express Entry No Program Specified Draws

The good news is that IRCC has said unequivocally that targeted drawings will constitute a part of overall invitations to apply.

They also announced that regular Express Entry rounds of invitations based on Comprehensive Ranking System scores and particular programmes will continue.

With IRCC confirming that “No Program Specified” draws will continue, we can assume that CRS cut off may go higher in such draws.

Candidates planning on applying or already in the pool waiting for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) should continue to work on increasing their CRS score or look for provincial nomination.

Another good thing is that we can see more of the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) draw similar to the one we saw in February 2023.

Express Entry-Know 6 Ways to Increase Your CRS Score

Francophiles Will Continue To Have Best Shot At Express Entry

IRCC consultation clearly stated new targeted Express Entry draws will focus on two factors:

Addressing chronic labour shortages and long-term planning; and
Fostering Francophone immigration and economic growth in Francophone minority communities.

Express Entry and Canadian Immigration has been making appropriate efforts to boost francophiles in Canada.

Even new Canadian budget proposes $123 million to promote francophone immigration.

Furthermore, french-speaking candidates can claim 50 points extra being bilingual.

As per one of the proposed category, we can see targeted Express Entry draws exclusively for Francophiles.

Bilinguals even get more job opportunity after settling in Canada, so learning French has all around benefit for the Express Entry candidates in the pool.

Conclusion

Express Entry has been tough with high CRS score cutoff, lately. However, it is expected to become easier for candidates with experience or study in high demand sectors with low CRS scores.

Similarly, it will become even more competitive for some candidates not fitting the targeted draw categories, but they will still have the chance of receiving an ITA.

As of now nothing is officially confirmed, but our advise is to start working on improving your Express Entry CRS score.

Explore your Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) options, learn French, retake English proficiency test (IELTS/CELPIP).

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon moved to Canada in 2010 on a study visa. She navigated through the ups and downs of her student life and gained her permanent residency in 2015. Today, she is a proud Canadian citizen residing in Calgary, Alberta. She is mother of 2 beautiful daughters and making her difference through writing and guidance at INC – Immigration News Canada.