Express Entry draws held by IRCC were fairly predictable prior to the coronavirus pandemic. IRCC usually holds draws every two weeks, on Wednesday.
Over 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence and Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-offs of around 470 points would be typically featured by each draw. As the policy objectives of Express Entry, the Fastest Way to Immigrate to Canada had remained largely intact since the system was introduced in 2015, things were more stable back then.
The goal of processing 80% of Express Entry permanent residence applications within 6 months or less was about to be achieved by IRCC which could have resulted in continuous issuing of new ITAs in regular intervals, providing more certainty to Express Entry candidates. Latest Express Entry Draws 2023 have occurred with a far lesser degree of predictability since the onset of the pandemic. There is no longer a repeatedly occurring pattern of the draw type, when a draw will take place, number of ITAs, or CRS cut-offs.
For example, this year saw Express Entry draws occur regularly, about every two weeks, leading up to June. Draw began occurring more frequently after the introduction of category-based selection by IRCC. With Category Based Express Entry Draws, a broader array of policy goals are sought by IRCC, including addressing labour shortages and welcoming more Francophone immigrants.
A total of 12 Express Entry draws were held by IRCC between June 27 and August 15, a period in which category-based selection was introduced. IRCC would typically hold between 4-8 draws over a comparable period, so this was unprecedented. Before holding 9 more draws between September 19 and October 26, Express Entry invitations were then held by IRCC for just over one month.
IRCC Policy Objectives
IRCC should also consider the types of draws it should hold to fulfill its policy objectives. The immigration minister of Canada has a mandate to strengthen the national economy. Instructions are issued by ministers to invite newcomers who have the skill to close gaps in the labour force and contribute to the economy as rapidly as possible after landing in Canada. Issuing Express Entry invitations to Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates is another key way to do this.
The goal of landing over 400,000 new permanent residents was the objective of IRCC, back in 2021, despite ongoing challenges with the pandemic, including travel restrictions and processing delays. Holding large Express Entry draws for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates was one major way to achieve this goal. It would be quicker for IRCC to land them as permanent residents since most of them were already in Canada. IRCC has held more draws to cater to broader policy objectives, following its introduction of category-based selection.
These broader policy objectives include promoting economic development in regions across the country, facilitating transitions from temporary to permanent residence, inviting candidates with high human capital who can integrate into the Canadian labour market, inviting candidates with work experience in healthcare, STEM, transport, agriculture, and skilled trades, and strengthening Francophone communities outside of Quebec.
Modifications to Express Entry Profiles and Comprehensive Ranking System
Express Entry draws may also be impacted by occasional changes to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and other Express Entry profile changes. The frequency of Express Entry draws can be influenced by a change to how IRCC allocates CRS points to a specific attribute but it doesn’t happen often. The number of CRS points a candidate could receive for French proficiency was increased by IRCC in 2020. When that happens, several technical updates need to be completed by IRCC to ensure that all existing profiles are up to date with accurate CRS scores.
IT Issues
Another factor that can influence Express Entry Canada is IT issues, including glitches. IRCC reported having an issue with the Express Entry profile builder most recently. Candidates who have already received an ITA may not be able to upload their final application for permanent residency within the requisite 60 days because of the glitch.
It was tweeted by IRCC on November 29 that applicants who are unable to upload their profiles due to a glitch will have an additional 60 days to submit their application. IRCC glitches can be a result of the rollout of new systems. For example, IRCC Deputy Minister Christiane Fox pointed out that there were some IT problems following the introduction of category-based selection rounds of invitations, at a recent meeting of the Standard Committee on Citizenship and Immigration.
IRCC may decide to hold off on draws when such glitches occur until the problem is resolved. Further, due to an IT problem related to updates to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, there were no Express Entry draws between November 23, 2022, and January 11, 2023. Some ineligible candidates were issued ITAs as a result of the glitch.
Staffing Changes at IRCC
Express Entry draws can also be influenced by a change in staff. From a new Immigration Minister, Deputy Minister, or other officials responsible for Express Entry, this could be anything. In their new position, it takes time for staff to get up to speed.
After former Deputy Minister Neil Yeates released a report highlighting departmental inefficiencies, IRCC is undergoing a reorganization. He recommended restructuring the organization of IRCC based on the lines of business in the report. The department has already been making changes as stated by Deputy Minister Fox in an interview, to reflect some of the recommendations. Staffing within the department would be inevitably impacted by this statement.
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