Title: “Revolutionizing Immigration: The Introduction of Category-based Invitations in Express Entry System”
Canada is making history with the announcement of its new, streamlined immigration system, ushering in a new era of economic prosperity through targeted immigration. By introducing rounds of category-based invitations to the Express Entry system, Canada is strategically prioritizing the invitation of individuals who are equipped to cater to the country’s specific economic goals.
The Express Entry System works as a sophisticated and objective points-based ranking system known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Candidates are evaluated on a multitude of factors, including their skills, education, language ability, work experience, and other relevant factors. The individuals possessing the highest ranking are then invited to apply for permanent residence through rounds of invitations.
The Types of Rounds of Invitations
There are several types of rounds of invitations conducted throughout the year, which include:
- General Rounds of Invitations: The top-ranking candidates, eligible for one of the three programs managed through Express Entry, are invited.
- Program-Specific Rounds of Invitations: These are exclusive to top-ranking candidates eligible for a specific Express Entry program. For example, a round dedicated specifically to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) would invite only PNP-eligible candidates.
- Category-based Rounds of Invitations: The Minister establishes a category aimed at a specific economic goal, inviting the top-ranking candidates in the pool eligible for this category.
The introduction of category-based rounds is a strategic move by Canada to invite candidates who can help meet specific economic goals. This is in addition to the general and program-specific rounds.
Eligibility and Programs
To be placed in the pool for category-based rounds of invitations, candidates must be eligible for one of the three programs managed through Express Entry. These include the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Candidates with a provincial or territorial nomination continue to be invited through general and Provincial Nominee Program-specific rounds. These individuals have demonstrated the ability to contribute to the economy of the province or territory, thanks to their skills, education, and work experience.
Instructions for Rounds of Invitations
Each round of invitations has a specific set of instructions. These are posted online at the time of the round and are used by the Express Entry system to invite candidates from the pool. The instructions include the date and time of the round, the number of candidates that will get an invitation to apply, the round type (general, program-specific, or category-based), and eligibility criteria for the category.
Express Entry Reports
To help prospective candidates understand the workings of the system and gauge their likelihood of receiving an invitation, Express Entry publishes regular reports detailing its operation and the results of its invitation rounds. Some of the recently released reports include the Express Entry: Year-End Report 2019, Express Entry: Year-End Report 2018, and Express Entry Year-End Report 2017.
Results: Rounds of invitations
An example of a category-based round of invitations took place on August 3, 2023. This round targeted trade occupations, issuing 1,500 invitations to the highest-ranking candidates in the pool. The lowest-ranked candidate invited had a CRS score of 388. In cases where more than one candidate had the lowest score, the tie-breaking rule was applied based on the date and time of their Express Entry profile submission.
CRS Score Distribution as of August 1, 2023
The distribution of CRS scores among candidates in the Express Entry pool provides valuable insight into the competitiveness of the process. As of August 1, 2023, the distribution was as follows:
- Candidates with scores in the 601-1200 range: 1,308
- Candidates with scores in the 501-600 range: 2,019
- Candidates with scores in the 451-500 range: 55,295
- Candidates with scores in the 401-450 range: 54,173
- Candidates with scores in the 351-400 range: 61,438
- Candidates with scores in the 301-350 range: 32,077
- Candidates with scores in the 0-300 range: 5,219
With a total of 211,529 candidates in the pool, this distribution represents a dynamic and ever-changing landscape, with scores likely to change as new profiles are submitted, and others expire.
Wrapping Up
This revolutionary change to the Express Entry system is expected to boost Canada’s economic growth by ensuring a steady influx of skilled and qualified immigrants. The category-based rounds of invitations provide a more tailored approach, targeting specific economic needs and goals. As the world watches this innovative system unfold, it’s clear that Canada is leading the way in creating efficient and strategic immigration policies.
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