Maple News reports that new data released by the Government of Canada reveals key insights into the type of individuals most likely to receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through Express Entry during the first nine months of 2023.
Between January and September, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) extended 53,455 ITAs under the Express Entry system. An additional 9,173 invitations were issued in October, bringing the total number even higher, though that month’s data falls outside the current dataset.
Express Entry is Canada’s main immigration application system for skilled workers and includes several key programs—the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). It also manages a portion of candidates applying through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Applicants earn Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores based on key human capital factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills.
According to this latest update, individuals who received the most ITAs during this period were largely Canadian Experience Class candidates in their twenties, primarily employed as software engineers and residing, or intending to reside, in Ontario. This aligns with Canada’s growing demand for tech professionals and the province’s dominant role in housing the country’s technology sector.
The data break down candidate profiles across various parameters, including CRS score ranges, age groups, provinces of intent, and occupational categories. Notably, a provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to a candidate’s profile, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an ITA.
Express Entry remains a highly competitive and strategic path for skilled workers seeking permanent residence in Canada. With evolving labor market needs and provincial priorities, tech-savvy professionals—especially those with Canadian work experience—continue to have a competitive edge.
As the IRCC introduces category-based selection draws and increasingly targets skills aligned with the national economy, applicants in high-demand sectors like technology and healthcare are expected to remain top contenders in future rounds.
Maple News is closely monitoring how Canada’s Express Entry landscape evolves as immigration targets climb in the coming years, and tech-focused economic immigration strategies take shape.