In what is being called a surprising move!

In what is being called a surprising move, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has just completed its eighth Express Entry draw of 2023, inviting a total of 7,000 candidates to apply for permanent residency in Canada. This draw, which ties the largest-ever all-program draw held on March 15th of this year, saw candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) considered, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 484.

The Express Entry system is Canada's primary pathway for skilled workers to obtain permanent residency, with the CRS score being used to assess candidates based on a range of factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other criteria. The highest-scoring candidates are then issued invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency in Canada.

What makes this latest draw surprising is that it marks the second-consecutive week that IRCC has invited Express Entry candidates, breaking from the usual bi-weekly schedule. Furthermore, the draw size of 7,000 ITAs marks the second-largest Express Entry draw size of all-time, behind the record-setting CEC-only draw that took place in February 2021.

This draw size also ties the record for the largest all-program draw, with candidates in the March 15th draw having a slightly higher minimum CRS score of 490. Prior to this year, the previous record-high all-program draw occurred in January 2023, when IRCC invited 5,500 candidates.

Overall, this latest draw is a positive development for those seeking to immigrate to Canada, especially for those who have been waiting for an invitation to apply for permanent residency. With the increasing draw sizes and frequency of invitations, it is clear that the Canadian government is committed to attracting skilled workers from all over the world to contribute to the country's economy and society.

In conclusion, the eighth Express Entry draw of 2023 marks a significant milestone in Canada's immigration system. With a record-tying all-program draw size and an unexpected frequency of invitations, this draw is a welcome opportunity for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Canada. The future looks bright for those who wish to immigrate to Canada and contribute to its diverse and thriving society.