On January 11, 2023, Canada conducted the first Express Entry draw in seven weeks.

Candidates in all Express Entry programs were considered, with 5,500 candidates issued an invitation—making it the biggest all-program draw ever.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-off threshold for this draw was 507 points.

On November 16, 2022, IRCC switched the entire Canadian immigration system, including Express Entry, to the new 2021 National Occupational Classification Codes (NOC Codes). Following the change, a broad range of glitches was reported by Express Entry candidates, including candidates not receiving an invitation despite having the requisite score. It is possible that IRCC paused Express Entry draws to fix the issues with the system before inviting more candidates.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is a program introduced by the Canadian government in January 2015 to manage and streamline the process of immigration for skilled workers. The program aims to attract highly skilled individuals who can contribute to the Canadian economy and fill the labour market gaps in various industries.

The Express Entry program is an online system that allows eligible candidates to submit their profiles and be considered for immigration to Canada. The system uses a points-based system known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to evaluate the candidates based on their age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other factors.

Candidates who meet the minimum CRS score requirements are then invited to apply for permanent residency through one of the three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class.

The Express Entry program is highly competitive, with thousands of applications submitted each year. To increase your chances of being selected, it is essential to have a strong profile that showcases your skills, experience, and language proficiency.

The benefits of the Express Entry program include faster processing times, transparency, and accessibility for candidates. The system allows candidates to track the progress of their application online and receive updates on their status.

In summary, Express Entry is a program designed to attract skilled workers to Canada and make the immigration process faster and more efficient. By creating a strong profile and meeting the eligibility requirements, candidates can secure permanent residency and enjoy the benefits of living and working in Canada.

How long was the pause in Express Entry draws?

The pause in Express Entry draws was relatively brief, lasting for only a few months in 2020.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian government put a hold on Express Entry draws between March and July 2020. During this time, there were no invitations to apply for permanent residency issued to candidates in the Express Entry pool.

However, by August 2020, the government resumed regular Express Entry draws, and since then, there have been numerous draws conducted each month. In fact, some recent draws have seen higher numbers of ITAs (invitations to apply) issued than ever before.

It is important to note that while the pause in Express Entry draws was short-lived, the pandemic has still had an impact on immigration to Canada. Travel restrictions and other measures have made it more difficult for some candidates to complete the application process, and processing times may be longer than usual. As such, it is important for prospective immigrants to stay informed about the latest developments and requirements for Express Entry and other immigration programs.

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