The Canadian Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Ministry (IRCC) recently announced that it plans to hold draws targeting the Express Entry (EE) visa.

This will happen in the first quarter of 2023. Therefore, these draws will select the most suitable candidates to meet the goals of the Canadian labor market.
 

The ministry also plans to consult with a wide range of stakeholders to inform the new targeted categories in the Express Entry program, as required by legislation, and is preparing for technical implementation in the first quarter of 2023.

 The type of candidates to be targeted in the new draws is not yet known.
 

Furthermore, the recent Bill C-19 allows the Minister of Immigration to adapt immigration programs, so the Minister can decide the types of foreign nationals permitted to immigrate here, and candidates can be invited based on criteria that support regional economic needs.

Accordingly, the ministry can hold several draws for the EE visa based on the candidate’s occupation, language, or educational attainment.

This will occur alongside the candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

On the other hand, the new bill stipulates that the minister must engage in a consultation process with the public.

Moreover, the minister will have to inform Parliament of the draw details annually. This also includes economic targets.

Therefore, it will now be possible to hold draws targeting specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes.

Why the change in Express Entry?

Therefore, it should be noted that if you are in a situation where you have an abundance of skills all existing in a particular sector, and that sector does not have high needs in Canada, the current Express Entry system may bring people who do not fully match the needs of the Canadian economy.

The Minister of Immigration and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, said earlier that the IRCC ministry was not able to invite EE candidates based on the program they were qualified for.

Also, prior to the passing of Bill C-19, IRCC was not able to target EE candidates based on their occupation, language ability, or educational qualifications.

Furthermore, Provincial Nominee Programs have more specific criteria that allow them to invite qualified Express Entry candidates; however, there is no specific mechanism in place in the system.

To get a PNP, you need to complete a separate application process with a provincial authority. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said the goal is to prepare newcomers for success in the communities where they will live.
 

 For information on how draws are conducted to support an economic goal, the minister believes there should be a transparent selection process.

Therefore, ministers must conduct a public consultation process with stakeholders.