For people looking to immigrate to Canada in 2023 there are changes on the horizon that you need to be aware of before deciding to move.

The Current Express Entry System





Canada’s Express Entry System is the most popular method used to immigrate to Canada. It is the swiftest process with which to obtain legal immigration to Canada and permanent residency status. As a result of its success, the IRCC has done much to familiarize the Express Entry Systems to many potential newcomers.

Federal Skilled Trades Programs (FSTP), Federal Skilled Workers Programs (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) represent the main processes within the Express Entry system through which potential newcomers to Canada are funneled.

Under the current procedures an applicant must review their eligibility for one of the above-mentioned programs, obtain a score from the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and if they meet eligibility standards, they can submit an application.

If accepted, an applicant will receive an Invitation To Apply (ITA) from either the FSTP or FSWP or the CEC. However, these systems are subject to change as the Canadian government aims to attract more skilled workers, decrease the labor shortage and fill-in specialized occupational posts.

Implications Of Changes To The Express Entry System

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to implement more targeted draws for Express Entry applicants. Recent changes in immigration in the form of a bill passed (Bill C-19), has enabled the department to make changes that will target newcomers to Canada on the basis of their occupation, language and/or education.

This is in order to yield better results with regards to attracting, and retaining them as permanent residents. By doing so, they hope that having more skilled and highly educated people will lead to greater economic opportunities and growth.

Sean Fraser, the minister in charge of the IRCC, commented that the current procedures in place failed to adequately bring in enough qualified individuals to fill in the posts of Canada’s growing specialized occupations. These procedures are still heavily dependent on CRS scores as determined by factors like:

  • Work experience,
  • Age
  • English language proficiency,
  • Marital status,
  • Level of education, and
  • Links to Canada.

This method casts such a wide net of possible qualifications that it doesn’t effectively serve the purpose of channeling the highest number of qualified individuals to the most in-demand occupations.

The current system’s dependence on CRS scores will be progressively phased out over the course of the year

How To Apply For The Express Entry


To apply for an Express Entry you will need to:

  • Create a profile, either via the official government site, or with a registered or affiliate immigration Consultancy.
  • Check your eligibility to enter an Express Entry draw. This system is complicated and not very easy to navigate, so getting some guidance from a consultant will serve you well, in the long run.
  • A CRS score will be generated for you on the basis of your evaluation and If you qualify, enter the Express Entry pool by submitting an application.
  • The IRCC will issue you an ITA. After this, you should submit your application along with the necessary documentation within 60 days of the date you receive your ITA.
  • Consider finding an immigration consultancy via our in-depth reviews that will assist you with your application by comprehensively guiding you through what can be a very complicated process.