IRCC Resumes All-Program Draws and Expects Additional Category Selections
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has resumed its all-program Express Entry draws, issuing 700 invitations to apply (ITAs) to candidates from all Express Entry programs. This draw, which took place on the first day of July, marks a return to normalcy for IRCC after a series of category-based selection draws in June.
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-off for invited candidates in this draw was 511, which is higher than the previous CRS cut-off for all-program draws. This increase suggests a more competitive pool of candidates vying for permanent residency in Canada.
While this draw signals a return to the usual process, IRCC has also announced new changes to the Express Entry system. On June 28th, a category selection draw took place for the first time in Express Entry’s history, specifically targeting healthcare professionals. In this draw, 500 ITAs were issued to healthcare professionals in the federal Express Entry pool.
Following the success of the healthcare category selection draw, two more category-based selection draws are expected this week. These upcoming draws will target STEM professionals and healthcare professionals once again. It is projected that 1,500 ITAs will be issued to healthcare professionals in total. This new approach allows Canada to address key labor and cultural needs through immigration means.
In addition to the healthcare and STEM categories, there are four other targeted categories under this new policy: Trades such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors; transportation workers; agriculture and agri-food workers; and candidates with strong French language proficiency. These categories aim to attract skilled individuals in areas where there is a demand for talent.
Despite these changes, the regular functioning of Express Entry managed programs has not been affected. On June 27th, just before the introduction of category-based selection draws, an all-program Express Entry draw took place, issuing 4,300 ITAs to candidates with a minimum CRS score of 486.
Express Entry is a system of economic immigration programs that have been a primary pathway for economic immigration in Canada since its introduction in 2015. The system consists of three programs designed to admit skilled newcomers to Canada. These programs are managed by the Express Entry system and issue ITAs for permanent residency to candidates in the federal pool with a sufficiently high CRS score.
As Canada continues to prioritize economic immigration and address labor market needs, the Express Entry system plays a vital role in attracting skilled individuals to contribute to the country’s growth and development.
In conclusion, IRCC’s decision to resume all-program draws demonstrates a return to normalcy in the Express Entry system. However, new changes that include category-based selection draws for healthcare professionals and STEM professionals indicate Canada’s commitment to addressing specific labor and cultural needs through immigration. As the country continues to welcome skilled individuals, the Express Entry system remains an essential pathway for economic immigration to Canada.
Legal Opinion: Resumption of All-Program Draws and Expectation of Additional Category Selections by IRCC
Introduction:
We have been asked to provide a legal opinion on the resumption of all-program draws by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the expectation of additional category selections. The purpose of this opinion is to analyze the legal implications of these actions and their impact on the Express Entry system.
Analysis:
1. Resumption of All-Program Draws:
The resumption of all-program draws by IRCC, as evidenced by the issuance of 700 invitations to apply (ITAs) to candidates from all Express Entry programs, signifies a return to normalcy for the IRCC after a series of category-based selection draws in June. This decision indicates that IRCC is reverting to its usual process of selecting candidates for permanent residency in Canada.
2. Increase in CRS Score Cut-Off:
It is noteworthy that the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-off for invited candidates in this draw was 511, which is higher than the previous CRS cut-off for all-program draws. This increase suggests a more competitive pool of candidates vying for permanent residency in Canada. While this may pose challenges for some applicants, it also reflects IRCC’s commitment to selecting the most qualified individuals for immigration.
3. Introduction of Category Selection Draws:
In addition to resuming all-program draws, IRCC has introduced category selection draws targeting specific professions such as healthcare professionals and STEM professionals. The success of the healthcare category selection draw has prompted IRCC to conduct two more category-based selection draws in the near future. These draws are expected to issue a total of 1,500 ITAs to healthcare professionals.
4. Other Targeted Categories:
Apart from healthcare and STEM professionals, IRCC has identified four other targeted categories under this new policy. These categories aim to attract skilled individuals in trades, transportation, agriculture, agri-food, and candidates with strong French language proficiency. The introduction of these categories demonstrates IRCC’s intention to address key labor and cultural needs through immigration means.
5. Non-Impact on Regular Functioning of Express Entry Programs:
Despite the introduction of category-based selection draws, the regular functioning of Express Entry managed programs has not been affected. An all-program Express Entry draw took place just before the introduction of category-based selection draws, issuing 4,300 ITAs to candidates with a minimum CRS score of 486. This indicates that the Express Entry system is still operational and continues to be a primary pathway for economic immigration in Canada.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, IRCC’s decision to resume all-program draws signifies a return to normalcy in the Express Entry system. However, the introduction of category-based selection draws for healthcare professionals, STEM professionals, and other targeted categories demonstrates Canada’s commitment to addressing specific labor and cultural needs through immigration. The Express Entry system remains an essential pathway for economic immigration to Canada, and as the country continues to prioritize economic immigration, it plays a vital role in attracting skilled individuals to contribute to the country’s growth and development.
Disclaimer: This legal opinion is based on the information provided and is subject to change based on any future developments or amendments to the relevant laws and regulations.