Introduction:
The 2023 Express Entry Year-End Report, released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), marks a significant milestone in Canada’s immigration landscape. With a record-breaking increase in Invitations to Apply (ITAs) and the introduction of category-based selection draws, the report provides valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of economic immigration in Canada. This article will explore key takeaways from the report and what they mean for immigration lawyers and their clients.
Record-Breaking ITAs: A 136% Increase
2023 saw an unprecedented surge in ITAs, with 110,266 issued across 42 Express Entry draws—more than double the 46,539 ITAs issued in 2022. This 136% increase reflects Canada’s ongoing commitment to attracting skilled immigrants to bolster its economy, especially as it emerges from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Express Entry: A Competitive Landscape
The report reveals that out of 488,571 profiles submitted, 67% were eligible, with the majority of candidates’ Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores ranging between 300 and 550. The average CRS score notably rose above 500 for all-program draws, a trend likely driven by the introduction of category-based selection, which prioritizes candidates based on occupation or language ability.
Introduction of Category-Based Selection Draws: Targeted Immigration
One of the most notable developments in 2023 was the introduction of category-based selection draws. These draws targeted candidates in specific occupations, such as healthcare, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and trades, as well as those with French language proficiency. This strategic approach allows Canada to address critical labor market needs while maintaining its high standards for economic immigrants.
CEC Leads the Way
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program continued to dominate, accounting for 40,052 ITAs, followed by the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) with 26,445 ITAs, and the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) with 17,898 ITAs. Interestingly, only eight ITAs were issued under the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), underscoring the processing hierarchy that prioritizes CEC-eligible candidates over those also eligible for FSTP.
Occupation and Education: Key Factors in ITA Issuance
As expected, candidates in high-demand occupations like software engineering, IT, and finance were more likely to receive ITAs. Software engineers and designers topped the list with 7,259 ITAs, followed by software developers and programmers with 5,183 ITAs. Additionally, 90% of ITAs were issued to candidates with post-secondary education, highlighting the importance of advanced qualifications in securing an ITA.
Diverse Sources of Talent
The report reaffirms Canada’s global appeal, with ITAs issued to candidates from a diverse range of countries. While Canada remained the top country of residence for ITA recipients, India, Cameroon, and Nigeria followed suit. India also led as the top country of citizenship, accounting for nearly half of all ITAs.
Gender and Language Proficiency
Gender distribution remained consistent with previous years, with 57% of ITAs going to men and 43% to women. Language proficiency also played a crucial role, with 78% of ITA recipients achieving Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores between 7 and 9. However, the percentage of candidates with the highest score of CLB 10 dropped slightly from 21% in 2022 to 18% in 2023.
Conclusion:
The 2023 Express Entry Year-End Report underscores Canada’s strategic approach to economic immigration, with a clear focus on attracting top talent in critical occupations. For immigration lawyers, these insights provide valuable guidance in advising clients on navigating the increasingly competitive Express Entry system. As Canada continues to refine its immigration policies to meet evolving economic needs, staying informed about these trends will be essential for successfully supporting clients in their immigration journeys.
Next Steps for Immigration Lawyers:
Given the report’s findings, immigration lawyers should emphasize the importance of high CRS scores, targeted occupations, and language proficiency in their client consultations. Additionally, understanding the nuances of category-based selection and how it might impact different clients will be crucial in helping them achieve their immigration goals in Canada.
