Canada Express Entry - Massive change is expected in 2023

CRS scores may not be used as a deciding factor. 

Beginning 2023, Express Entry system draws are expected to be based on a different criteria altogether. As of now, Express Entry invitations are issued to candidates based on their score on the 1,200-point Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

The higher the CRS score, the higher the probability of getting an invitation to apply (ITA) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 

From 2023, specific attributes, such as in-demand skills or abilities, can be the deciding factor of who gets invited to submit their Canada PR application by Express Entry. The changes to the Express Entry in 2023 would help Canada select immigrants that are already prepared for economic success. 

Who will be invited in 2023 under Canada Express Entry?

As of now, there is no confirmation date on which Express Entry targeted draws are expected to begin. Consultations are being held with provinces, business councils, and others to determine the best candidates to single out. 

With targeted Express Entry draws, it will be possible to issue invitations to Express Entry candidates based on the urgent labour shortages and pressing economic needs in Canada. Going ahead, an Express Entry draw might only specifically be for those needed to fill healthcare jobs in Canada. 

Why is Express Entry changing?

Canada is dealing with an aging population and a low birth rate, factors that have combined to lead to an acute labour shortage. An estimated 9 million Canadians are expected to retire by 2023. There are not enough replacements available. The resulting high job vacancies would be hard to fill, leading to the need to change the process to get in-demand professionals to Canada quicker. 

How many will get Canada PR in 2023?

Canada will welcome 1.45 million by 2025. As many as 465,000 Canada PR visas will be granted in 2023. Of these, 82,880 will get Canada PR by Express Entry. 

Another 105,500 visa spaces will be available for those applying under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), regarded to be a faster route to Canadian permanent residence. 

How does Express Entry work?

Canada uses Express Entry, an online application management system, to streamline the processing for skilled foreign workers that apply under - 

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The first draw under the Express Entry system was held on January 31, 2015. Since then, 236 Express Entry draws have been held, with the latest round of invitations on November 23, 2022. 

From the beginning, candidate selection for receiving ITAs has been exclusively based on their CRS scores. A candidate’s CRS score is allotted out of 1,200 points based on factors such as - age, level of education, language proficiency, arranged employment (job offer) in Canada, provincial nomination etc. 

With targeted draws, candidates would still have to meet the eligibility criteria. However, the CRS score will no longer be the only deciding factor. Express Entry draws in 2023 could be tailored to candidates that had particular work experience, education, or language abilities. 

What is the new NOC of Canada?

From November 16, 2022, Canada switched to the 2021 version of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). The previous version - NOC 2016 - will no longer be in use. With the change, all candidates applying for Canadian permanent residence by Express Entry route will have to refer to the new NOC code of Canada.

Those submitting an Express Entry profile must use the updated job code. Existing candidates that already have their profile in the pool of candidates and are awaiting an invitation to apply, will have to update their profiles with NOC 2021 codes. 

What is TEER in Canada NOC 2021?

All jobs in the Canadian labour market have been classified as per TEER that stands for - 

• Training (T)
• Education (E)
• Experience (E)
• Responsibilities (R)

Jobs will now be divided into five “occupation types”. These are -  

• TEER 0: Management occupations. For example, a financial manager. 
• TEER 1: Occupations requiring a university degree. For example, a software engineer.
• TEER 2: Occupations that call for a college diploma, or apprenticeship training for 2+ years, or supervisory occupations. For example, a web technician. 
• TEER 3: For jobs that need a college diploma, apprenticeship training less than 2 years, or 6+ months of on-the-job training. For example, bakers. 
• TEER 4: Occupations that call for a High School diploma or many weeks of on-the-job training. For example, a retail salesperson. 
• TEER 5: Jobs that need short-term work demonstration and no formal education. For example, delivery service drivers.

The existing 4-digit NOC codes have now been replaced by 5-digit unique codes. For instance, the earlier NOC 5121: Authors and writers has now been replaced with NOC 51111 – Authors and writers (except technical). 

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