Maple News reports that with just two months left in the year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has yet to confirm when it will resume issuing Express Entry invitations to Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) candidates. The uncertainty persists despite growing interest from international applicants hoping to secure permanent residency through Canada’s flagship immigration system.
During a meeting on October 21 between IRCC and associations representing immigration lawyers and consultants, officials disclosed that no decision has been made regarding the return of invitations to FSWP candidates. This pause has remained in effect throughout 2021, with all draws this year limited to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
One of the key reasons behind the current delay is the federal government transition following the September election. The newly formed cabinet, unveiled on October 26, now includes Sean Fraser as the new Minister of Immigration. With the cabinet now in place, IRCC can move forward with presenting significant policy proposals, including decisions on Express Entry draw strategies.
The shift in focus away from FSWP this year was initially approved by former immigration minister Marco Mendicino. The rationale was to prioritize applicants already within Canada due to travel restrictions and processing delays brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the prolonged exclusion of FSWP candidates has raised questions about when — or if — the pre-pandemic balance in Express Entry invitations will be restored.
Express Entry is Canada’s primary system for selecting skilled immigrants. It manages applications for three key economic immigration streams: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). A portion of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is also integrated within this system.
Candidates who meet eligibility requirements for one of these programs can submit an online profile and are awarded a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors such as age, education, language ability, and work experience. Before the pandemic, FSWP candidates were typically the main recipients of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) due to their high CRS scores, often boosted by stricter language standards and foreign credential assessments.
The landscape of Express Entry could shift again in coming months, especially as the Canadian government explores ways to increase immigration levels and meet labor market demands. For now, however, prospective FSWP applicants must wait as IRCC reviews its priorities and consults with the new cabinet.
As Canada looks to recovery and long-term immigration planning, the future of FSWP draws remains a closely watched issue among would-be immigrants and industry experts alike. Maple News will continue to follow developments on when a full reopening of Express Entry might occur.