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The Express Entry program launched in January 2015 is scheduled for some changes.
As of June 6, 2017, French speakers with or without English language skills, and candidates with a sibling in Canada will receive additional points in the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Specifically, 15-30 additional points will be awarded to French speakers, with more points going to those with English language skills in addition to French. Meanwhile, candidates with a sibling in Canada, who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of at least 18 years of age, are to be awarded 15 additional CRS points.
While these alterations may not necessarily shift the make-up of the application pool, they are expected to make a positive difference for eligible candidates. These changes aim to acknowledge the importance of the French language in Canadian identity, and the value of family in integrating newcomers to Canada.
In addition, registration in the Canada Job Bank will become voluntary. Candidates who do not have pre-arranged employment in Canada, and would like to start their job search will be able to register for Job Bank. Registration will no longer be mandatory, but the option is expected to continue to be available free of charge.
In its current form, the CRS is used to rank and select candidates in the application pool based on a specific set of criteria.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts draws from the application pool, and sends Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence based on the CRS points achieved by the candidate. These Express Entry draws are expected to continue in the same manner after the June 6 alterations take effect.
Since the beginning of 2017, IRCC has been showing a general trend of increased numbers of ITAs being issued. In the first three months of 2016, 9,465 ITAs were issued. So far in 2017, a total of 24,652 ITAs have been issued, showing an increase of more than 160 percent.
The changes due June 6 may be seen as part of the government of Canada’s continued efforts to optimize the Express Entry system so that more candidates with skills and experience will have the opportunity to apply for permanent residence.