IRCC is preparing the strategy for Express Entry Invitations in 2022

The immigration department of Canada, i.e. Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is assessing its Express Entry plan and policies for 2022. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser and other associated officials are busy in strategizing the plan and pattern of the federal Express Entry System draws and invitations.

In the year 2020 and 2021, Canada’s immigration plan and policies were set considering the impact and nuisance of global pandemic. However, with a much more improved situation on ground, the IRCC would surely like to plan things with an open mind.

Express Entry strategy for 2022

Since its introduction back in 2015, Express Entry register the economic class immigrants under its three main categories, i.e.

• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Trades (FST)

The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invites the candidates with top CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score, under these three categories. Until 2020, the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) category used to receive the maximum invitations to apply for Canadian PR visa.

In view of the global pandemic scenario, Canadian immigration department paused FSW draws and invited maximum candidates under Canadian Experience Class (CEC) category. Moreover, with massive PR application backlog, the IRCC even stopped holding the CEC category draws in September 2021 and since then; it is only conducting the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) category draws. The pandemic situation, not only caused the increased backlog of applications, but also affected the frequency of all-program draws, and processing time of the applications. However, with the improved conditions, things are surely going to change in the year 2022.

Also read- How to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) Visa in 2022- Find out best programs and process

When will IRCC start the FSW category draws?

As per Immigration Minister Sean Fraser, the focus of Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will be on clearing the backlog and subsequently, resuming the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) category draws as early as possible. As per the internal IRCC briefing memo (signed on November 24, 2021), the clearance of backlog and resumption of all-program draws may take next few months, as Express Entry accounts for more than 50 percent of the total application backlog. Recently, Canadian government has released an amount of extra $85 million to get things back on track and make the immigration process streamlined.

Role of Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Meanwhile, the federal and provincial governments of Canada continues to invite the candidates through Express Entry-PNP category draws and consistent invitation rounds of the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

In last few months, significant number of skilled worker applicants have received the ITA (Invitation to apply) and subsequently, the approval for Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) Visa through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) only. Applying to a relevant PNP and obtaining the nomination for Canadian PR, surely increase your chances of getting the Permanent Residency (PR) Visa in Canada.

Hence, if you are still thinking about moving to Canada on PR visa this year, it is the best time to prepare your immigration file, send your Canadian PR visa application first in que for processing, and avoid any delay in processing.

To confirm your eligibility status and apply for immigration to Canada in 2022 through most appropriate immigration program, you may call Visas Avenue Canada immigration expert on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar