What to Expect as Canada Federal Skilled Worker Draws Resume

The Canadian government has resumed Express Entry draws for the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program after nearly 19 months. Here’s what to expect now that Canada has resumed FSW draws:

1.      The CRS cut-off will likely decrease

Due to the high volume of candidates built up in the pool, Canada’s latest all-program Express Entry draw targeted candidates with a CRS score of 557 or higher.

However, Canada will soon invite candidates based on groupings, which will likely result in a much lower CRS cut-off.

The Canadian Government recently passed Bill C-19, which will allow the immigration minister to invite candidates based on groupings rather than CRS score alone. Groupings may include a combination of work experience in a particular occupation, language proficiency, and educational background. Since candidates will be ranked against others in their grouping rather than the entire Express Entry pool, the CRS cut-off is likely to be much lower than a general draw.

The minister must go through a consultation process with multiple stakeholders before beginning these targeted draws. According to IRCC, these targeted draws will likely begin in the first quarter of 2023.

2.      Eligibility requirements remain the same

There have been many changes to the Express Entry system since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, one thing that has not changed is the eligibility requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

Though Canada is making changes to the way candidates are selected in Express Entry draws, eligibility requirements to enter the pool will remain the same. Applicants must continue to meet several criteria, including language proficiency and work experience.

To find out if you’re eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, complete our free online assessment form.

3.      Draws will be conducted biweekly

According to an internal IRCC memo, Canada will continue to conduct Express Entry draws every two weeks and will issue invitations at a pre-pandemic rate.

The average size of Express Entry draws prior to March 2020 was about 3,500. While the first all-program draw of the year invited 1,500 candidates, the IRCC memo suggests we may be seeing larger draw sizes in the future.

What is the Federal Skilled Worker Program?

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a points-based system for selecting immigrants for Canadian permanent residents.

The program is open to foreign workers who meet certain requirements. To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, candidates must have at least one year of work experience in a professional or managerial position. Eligible FSW candidates must also meet a minimum score of 67 on the Federal Skilled Worker points grid.

Upon submitting a profile to the Express Entry pool, candidates are ranked by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and given a score. Those who meet the minimum Express Entry draw requirements are invited to submit an application for Canadian permanent residence through the Federal Skilled Worker program.

Approved Federal Skilled Workers are granted a permanent residence visa and can start living and working in Canada.

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is a great way for foreign skilled workers with no connections to Canada to obtain permanent residency. With draw criteria changing, now is the time to enter the Express Entry pool.

Don’t miss out on a draw in your favour! Complete our free online assessment form today to find out if you’re eligible to enter the Express Entry pool.