Canada’s Express Entry Year-End Report for 2023, released last week, highlights significant developments and trends in the flagship immigration system, reflecting the country’s evolving immigration strategy to meet economic demands.
Overview of Express Entry
Express Entry (EE) has been Canada’s primary immigration system since 2015, managing applications for three federal economic programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), as well as a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The system’s goal is to select candidates most likely to succeed economically in Canada, primarily based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score that ranks candidates on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
Key Highlights from 2023
Increase in Profile Submissions: In 2023, there was a notable increase in the number of profiles submitted to Express Entry, with 488,571 profiles received—a 14 per cent increase from 2022. This rise reflects the growing interest in Canada as a destination for skilled immigrants. However, only a portion of these submissions were eligible for one of the managed programs, emphasizing the selectivity and high standards of the EE system.
Category-Based Selection: A major enhancement introduced in 2023 was the Category-Based Selection (CBS). This new approach allows Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to invite candidates based on specific economic needs, such as language skills or work experience in particular occupations. Six categories were established, targeting French-language proficiency, healthcare occupations, STEM fields, trades, transport, and agriculture. The goal was to address labor shortages and support economic growth, especially in sectors critical to Canada’s economy.
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Changes for Physicians: In response to labor shortages in the healthcare sector, IRCC adjusted eligibility criteria to make it easier for physicians, especially those working in a fee-for-service model, to gain permanent residence. This change addresses a significant barrier that had previously prevented many physicians from qualifying under Express Entry due to their employment structure.
Profile of Express Entry Candidates
The report provides a detailed analysis of the demographics and characteristics of those who submitted profiles in 2023. A diverse group of candidates from around the world expressed interest in immigrating to Canada, with a significant number having advanced degrees and professional experience in high-demand sectors.
Gender Distribution: The gender distribution of eligible profiles showed a slight male predominance, though the gap has been narrowing over the years. This trend aligns with Canada’s broader efforts to promote gender equality in immigration.
Educational Background: The majority of candidates had at least a bachelor’s degree, with many possessing master’s or doctoral degrees. This reflects Canada’s emphasis on attracting highly educated immigrants who can contribute to the knowledge economy.
Work Experience: Candidates with work experience in key sectors such as information technology, engineering, and healthcare were highly represented. The introduction of category-based selection has further highlighted the importance of aligning immigrant skills with Canada’s economic needs.
Language Proficiency: Language skills, particularly in English and French, remain a critical factor in the CRS. Candidates with strong language proficiency, especially in both official languages, were more likely to receive Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Invitations to Apply and Processing Times
In 2023, a total of 114,000 Invitations to Apply were issued, a slight increase from the previous year. The ITA rounds were highly competitive, with the lowest CRS scores needed to receive an invitation fluctuating throughout the year depending on the type of draw—general or category-specific.
Processing Standards: The processing standard for Express Entry applications remains at six months for 80 per cent of cases. The report indicates that IRCC has generally met this target, although some categories, particularly those involving complex cases or additional security checks, have experienced longer processing times.
Admissions and Economic Outcomes
Admissions Data: The report shows that the majority of admitted candidates were from the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class, with a smaller proportion entering through the Federal Skilled Trades Program and the Provincial Nominee Program. Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta remained the top destinations for new immigrants, with these provinces benefiting from the influx of skilled workers.
Economic Integration: The economic outcomes for Express Entry candidates continue to be strong, with high levels of employment and income among new immigrants. Median employment earnings for candidates admitted through Express Entry were generally higher than the Canadian average, particularly for those with Canadian work experience or education.
Looking Ahead
The Express Entry Year-End Report for 2023 underscores the importance of a dynamic and responsive immigration system in meeting Canada’s economic and labor market needs. With the introduction of category-based selection and other enhancements, IRCC has demonstrated its commitment to attracting immigrants who are well-positioned to contribute to Canada’s economic growth and social fabric. As Canada continues to refine its immigration policies, the Express Entry system will remain a cornerstone of the country’s strategy to welcome skilled immigrants from around the world.
