Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently issued invitations to apply (ITAs) in the latest Express Entry draw, inviting 1,490 candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 535. This marks the fifth draw of the year, following previous draws with varying minimum CRS scores.

As of January 30, 2024, IRCC has started accepting the Pearson Test of English Core (PTE) for all immigration streams, giving Express Entry candidates another option for English language testing when submitting their profiles. The minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score varies depending on the specific immigration program, and candidates also have the option to take the CELPIP General or IELTS General Training.

Express Entry is an application management system overseeing three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Each program evaluates candidates based on human capital factors such as language ability, work experience, occupation, education, and age, assigning scores for each factor to determine a candidate’s overall CRS score.

In addition to the three Express Entry programs, IRCC introduced category-based selection rounds in May 2023, including one category for candidates proficient in the French language and five occupation-based categories targeting specific human capital attributes.

Overall, these recent developments in the Express Entry system provide applicants with more options for language testing and highlight the ongoing efforts to match skilled workers with the economic immigration programs in Canada.

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On March 29, 2023, the Government of Canada invited over 7,000 applicants through the Express Entry Draw! 

On March 29th, the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada invited 7,000 Express Entry candidates to apply for permanent residence. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-off threshold was 481 for this draw.

Federal Express Entry system
The Express Entry Pool is one of the mechanisms the Government of Canada uses to manage the applications of people who want to apply for permanent residency. The program is for skilled workers who want to migrate to anywhere in Canada outside of Quebec. Express Entry applicants are scored on factors that include:
– Age
– Education
– Language Ability or Skills (English or French)
– Work Experience

During this time, the Government of Canada is committed to selecting top-ranked candidates and inviting them to submit an application for permanent residency.

Interested in migrating to Canada, email us at info@bisonimmigration.com

Starting April 6, 2023, a new measure will be introduced that enables Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders who desire to extend their stay in Canada to participate in a streamlined process for work permit extension. This initiative aims to help Canada retain highly skilled talent.

In 2023, foreign nationals with expired PGWPs and those eligible for the 2022 facilitative measure can apply for an additional 18-month work permit. Individuals with expired work permits will be granted the opportunity to restore their status even if they have passed the 90-day restoration period, and they will receive interim work authorization during the processing of their new work permit application.

Key points to note:

Eligible PGWP holders will begin receiving notifications about accessing their online IRCC Secure Account starting April 6, 2023, to opt in and update crucial personal information.
IRCC has taken into account the issues faced by PGWP holders during the 2022 facilitative process and has incorporated lessons learned into the new public policy. This policy allows those eligible under the 2022 initiative to apply for an open work permit and restore their status.
Instructions for applying will be made available on IRCC’s website in the coming weeks.

Background

International graduates play a significant role as potential permanent residents in Canada. In 2021, a record high of over 157,000 graduates transitioned to permanent residence, followed by nearly 95,000 in 2022, the second-highest total ever.

Generally, PGWPs are non-extendable, and holders seeking to prolong their stay in Canada must apply for a different type of work permit as their PGWP expires. Public policies introduced in 2021 and 2022 offered additional work permits for those with expiring PGWPs.

As of the end of 2022, more than 286,000 international graduates held valid post-graduation work permits in Canada. Approximately 127,000 PGWPs are set to expire in 2023. However, around 67,000 PGWP holders have already applied for permanent residence and will not require a work permit extension through this initiative.

Are you interested in going in Canada? Email us at info@bisonimmigration.com

for Express Entry candidates for 2021

Interested in migrating to Canada?

Contact Kari Davis, RCIC at info@bisonimmigration.com or click on the link on the  assessment link