Canada Express Entry Draws are starting as early as the first week of July and it is about time you create your profile if you are eligible under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or Canadian Experience Class(CEC).
Last year, in 2021, the minimum CRS score dropped to an unprecedented 75 for the CEC category, as IRCC had set an ambitious target of welcoming 401,000 new permanent residents in the country.
This year, although the aimed PR (Permanent Residency) number is much higher, the number of applicants is expected to skyrocket. Hence, you will have to make sure you are maximizing your CRS score to increase your chances of getting an invitation. Getting your profile ready at the earliest will give you a significant edge, which can reasonably be a deciding factor during the draws.
Getting Permanent Residence in Canada is not that complicated. You will find all kinds of resources as well as help regarding the Express Entry application and the whole immigration process here.
Why Is There A Sudden Rush In Express Entry Applications 2022 – 2023?
The last Canada Express Entry draws were held in December 2020 for FSWP candidates and in September 2021 for CEC. Draws are set to resume after a long pause as the Country aims to welcome around 431,645 permanent residents in 2022.
Last year, the number of Express Entry applications was quite low amid the global pandemic and worldwide travel restrictions. This year, the travel restrictions have been lifted and IRCC expects a huge number of applications for the Express Entry draws. The long gap in Canada Express Entry draws is also contributing to the rush in Express Entry applications, 2022.
Express Entry: A brief overview
Express Entry is the system of managing the Permanent Residency applications of Skilled Workers, handled by the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Canada).
The candidates, who wish to be permanent residents of Canada, first submit an online profile. Then the federal government checks their eligibility and accepts the eligible candidates in an express entry pool. Subsequently, they are ranked by a point-based system called Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and the top candidates are given an ITA (Invitation To Apply) for Permanent Residency.
The Express Entry for Skilled Workers accepts applications from three categories of workers:
- Federal Skilled Worker program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
If you are eligible under any of these three programs, do have a look below for the updated conditions of Express Entry 2022.
What Changed and what is about to change in the Upcoming July 2022 Draw?
On April 22, Immigration minister, Sean Fraser, announced that the next Express Entry draws will commence in the first week of July 2022. He also mentioned that according to a newly proposed bill, several Express Entry criteria are actively being reviewed and those will come into force in the nearing July draws. Changes in Express Entry 2022 include the Tie-breaking rule, increased Proof of funds, and invitations based on economic needs among others. Below are some of the highlights from the Bill, which are expected to come into effect soon.
Focus on the CRS score
As the Canada Express Entry draw 2022 is nearing, try to increase your CRS score to the best possible way. Although last year, the CRS score cutoff dropped quite low, this year the cutoff is not expected to come down.
Various Provinces can directly invite a candidate to the express entry pool. Most of these PNP programs are express entry aligned and the PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) nominees will get additional 600 points under CRS. Getting a PNP nomination increases your chances of getting an ITA manyfold.
Tie-Breaking Rule
If two or more candidates have the same CRS score, a new tie-breaking rule will come into force. The new rule states that, during a tie of CRS score, the date and time stamp of the entry into the pool will be considered. The earlier you have entered the pool, the better your chances will be of getting an ITA during a tie.
Increased Proof of Funds
Both Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program candidates need to have Proof of Funds to be eligible. This year the fund requirements have been revised and if you have created your profile, you may need to update your settlement fund numbers latest by June 8, 2022.
The following table states the amount of money you will need to have in your account by June 9, 2022. If you have excess funds, you will have to state that in your application.
No. of Family Members | Funds Needed (in Canadian Dollars) |
1 | $13,310 |
2 | $16,570 |
3 | $20,371 |
4 | $24,733 |
5 | $28,052 |
6 | $31,638 |
7 | $35,224 |
For every additional member | $3,586 |
Increased immigration processing fees
The immigration processing fee for applicants of non-business economic classes including Express Entry has been increased to $850. This is a nearly 50% increase from the erstwhile $550 fee.
Selection based on economic needs of Canada
The new bill also gives the Express Entry program the flexibility to accept candidates based on the country’s economic goal. The immigration minister can create a new category based on the country’s economic demands and set the eligibility standard based on the candidate’s work experience, educational background, and language skills related to that field.
The amendments, proposed under Bill C-19, authorize the immigration minister to invite candidates to apply for Permanent Residency through Express Entry.
More power to the immigration minister
With the proposed amendments, the immigration minister will hold more power over the Express Entry system. Currently, the immigration minister does not have the power to invite someone directly from the pool based on their qualification, work experience, or language skills. But the amendment is going to change all of that.
Different Selection Factors (Work Experience, Educational Background, Language Skills)
The selection factors like work experience, educational background, and language skills are becoming much more flexible. Moreover, special criteria like French language skills for a minority community are being prioritized. You can always check whether your trade is on the priority list or if any special category of your trade has been opened.
Why is NOW the best time to apply for Express Entry 2022 - 2023?
The tentative timeline of the Express Entry Draw has been announced recently. You need to create your Express Entry profile now to make sure you are not rushing your application at the last minute. Creating your profile in a rush is a recipe for disaster and any mistake in that part can cost you your permanent residency in Canada.
Moreover, you need to take advantage of the tie-break process in case there is a tie. The earlier you submit your profile, the better your chances will be of winning a tie-break.
Time is of the essence in the Express Entry Application, and starting now, will make sure you have better chances in the draw.
Apply for Canadian Permanent Residency 2022 - 2023
Apart from the amendments and some changes, the selection standards, including the pool sizes are getting back to pre-pandemic levels and immigration numbers are increasing year by year. If you are applying for Canadian Permanent Residency 2022, this is the best time to apply, as the country is trying to leverage immigration to not only cure the shortage of labor but also drive innovation in the country, support the current aging population, and boost trade.
Want to apply for Permanent Residence in Canada? Find out if you are eligible now!
admin
xxdd