IRCC is likely to resume Express Entry FSW and CEC draws in 2nd Quarter of 2022

The Canadian immigration minister Sean Fraser in his latest interview has indicated that the government may resume Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) category draws soon. Although, the minister did not announced any fix date, however, he specified that the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) might resume FSW draws this spring. Spring Season in Canada starts in month of March/April and continues until May/June.

The Immigration Minister hints resuming FSW and CEC draws

In a recent virtual interview with ApplyBoard, the immigration minster stated that one of his mandates is to make pathways to permanent residency for foreign students and TFWs (temporary foreign workers). He also answered a question regarding when the Express Entry draws for Federal High Skilled, candidates (i.e. including candidates under FSW, FST and CEC) would resume.

The Express Entry draws for FSWP candidates are on hold since December 2020, and draw for CEC too not conducted since September 2021. Hence, all candidates registered under FSW or CEC not receiving the ITAs (Invitations to Apply) since long. The minister in the recent interview did not make any huge announcement, but restated that IRCC looking to resume Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) draws in the near term, targeting for “sometime this spring.”

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Students on Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

The minister also accepted the fact that there are many in Canada, who are working in Canada on a PGWP are on a verge of expiring. Without an ITA, PGWP holders cannot apply for immigration and meet conditions for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). The BOWP allows them to stay and work legitimately past the validity of their PGWP.

On this the Sean Fraser said, “We’re looking at different options right now to make sure we don’t lose out on talent.,” He further added, “We will have much more to say on this in the weeks and months ahead.”

Positive Signs on application backlog

The high PR application backlog has been the major hurdle in resuming the FSW draws; however, as the backlog is being cleared fast, the signs of federal high skilled category draws are promising.

As per latest inventory data of Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), in the first half of March 2022, IRCC processed 4,000 Federal Skilled Worker Program applications, which usually take more than six months’ time.

If you wish to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) Visa in 2022 through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you may call Visas Avenue trusted Canada Migration expert on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar