published on 3 August 2023 @ 3:13 pm · COMMENT

Express Entry Update: Canada Targets Trade Occupations with Low Cut Off Score

To date this week, IRCC has issued three (3) new rounds of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system.

On August 03, 2023, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a round of invitations to candidates with work experience in the trades. Selected trades include carpenters, plumbers, machine fitters and contractors in construction, among others. This draw invited 1,500 candidates to apply. The minimum score required for selection was much lower than in recent general draws, at only 388 points. Candidates were invited under all program categories, including the Federal Skilled Worker program. This means that unlike other pathways for tradespeople, candidates do not necessarily require a Canadian job offer or work experience in Canada to be selected.

On August 02, 2023, IRCC issued a round of invitations to candidates with strong French language proficiency. This draw invited 800 candidates to apply. The minimum score required for selection was 435 points. Invitations were issued to candidates with French proficiency scores at a benchmark 7 or higher in every category.

On August 01, 2023, IRCC issued a general round of invitations to apply for permanent residence. Invitations were issued to candidates in all occupations, and under all Express Entry programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Provincial Nominee Program, and Canadian Experience Class.  This draw invited 2,000 candidates to apply, and the minimum score required for selection was 517 points.

IRCC has indicated that they will continue to target candidates with experience in the trades, health care, STEM, transport, and agricultures/agri-food sectors in the 2023 year.

filed under: IMMIGRATIONPERMANENT RESIDENCE