Maple News reports that as Canada rebuilds its economy post-COVID, the country is set to welcome record-breaking numbers of immigrants — over 400,000 newcomers annually under its current Immigration Levels Plan. A significant portion of these individuals, nearly 60%, will be selected through economic immigration streams, with Express Entry serving as the primary system for managing skilled worker applications.
Express Entry encompasses various pathways, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Historically, candidates from the FSWP accounted for nearly half of all Express Entry immigrants prior to the pandemic.
However, since early 2021, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has focused on inviting candidates through the CEC and PNP streams only. The rationale is practical — most applicants from these streams are already residing in Canada and are less likely to be hindered by COVID-related travel and processing restrictions. Consequently, FSWP candidates have not received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for some time, prompting many to question whether now is the right time to enter the Express Entry pool.
According to Maple News, the answer is yes — it’s still in your best interest to submit your profile. Being in the Express Entry pool allows IRCC to assess your candidacy as soon as draws for the FSWP resume, which could happen at any time as pandemic-related restrictions continue to ease globally. Candidates who are already in the pool when it reopens will have a clear advantage, being first in line for consideration.
Delaying entry into the pool could mean missing out on future draws, and Express Entry profiles are valid for up to 12 months. Submitting your profile now allows you to monitor changes in your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and make improvements, such as language testing or credential evaluations, while waiting for future invitations.
Maple News emphasizes that preparation is key. With Canada clearly committed to welcoming skilled talent in the years ahead, standing ready in the Express Entry system enhances your chances of successful immigration.
So, for those thinking about immigrating through the Federal Skilled Worker Program or another Express Entry stream, now remains a strategic and opportune time to start the journey.