Canada Express Entry 2022 Annual Report Unveiled

Highlights:

• Record Profile Submissions: In 2022, 428,391 Express Entry profiles were submitted, showcasing a 19% surge from 2020, signifying a continued strong interest in Canadian immigration.
• Gender Diversity: While men submitted the majority of profiles (56%), women's eligibility increased to 78%, indicating a growing gender diversity among candidates.
• CRS Insights: CRS scores for eligible candidates consistently clustered in the 301-500 range in 2022, reflecting the competitive nature of Express Entry.
• ITAs: Despite a 59% decrease in ITAs in 2022 due to temporary program pauses, Express Entry remained a key pathway to Canada, with 46,539 ITAs issued.
• Top Occupations and Destinations: Technology and food service occupations dominated the list of top ITA-awarded professions, while Ontario remained the most favored destination for Express Entry applicants.

In a world constantly on the move, Canada's Express Entry system stands as a beacon of opportunity for skilled professionals from around the globe. The recently released Canada Express Entry 2022 Annual Report provides a comprehensive glimpse into this immigration pathway.

What is Express Entry?

Introduced in 2015, Express Entry is Canada's federal government application management system designed to attract skilled foreign workers seeking permanent residency. This system comprises three main programs:

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

Additionally, Express Entry plays a role in managing a segment of the Provincial Nominee Program with PNP candidates needing eligibility in one of the core programs to pursue permanent residency through Express Entry.

ITA’s Issued in 2022

In 2022, the IRCC issued 46,539 ITAs. These invitations were distributed among various programs as follows:

In 2022, the Express Entry system saw a total of 428,391 profiles submitted, indicating a modest 3% decrease compared to the previous year but still reflecting a remarkable 19% increase since 2020.

Here is a graph depicting the cumulative profiles that were created over the past 3 years

CRS Score Analysis 2022-2021

The Comprehensive Ranking System scores play a pivotal role in evaluating Express Entry candidates based on various selection criteria, including age, language proficiency, education, work experience, and more. Despite this dynamic nature, the majority of candidates' scores in both 2022 and 2021 predominantly fell within the 301-500 range, indicating the competitiveness of applicants.

Below is a breakdown of the distribution of additional points earned by candidates in 2022 and 2021

ITA Nominations by Age

Shifting the focus to the age composition of invited candidates in 2022, individuals within the age bracket of 20-29. This age group holds substantial significance as it aligns with the highest point allocation under the CRS score. Moreover, candidates aged 30-34 emerged as the second-largest age cohort.

ITA Nominations by Gender

The 2022 ITA’s brought in a distinctive pattern in terms of gender distribution. Men secured the majority of invitations, accounting for 58% of the total, closely mirroring the proportion of eligible profile submissions made by men within the overall profile pool.

The following table and graph represent the figures

ITA Nominations by Education

The number of ITAs issued correlated closely with the highest level of education attained by Express Entry applicants in 2022. Specifically, the following breakdown reveals the distribution of ITAs based on education levels

ITA Nominations by Language Proficiency

Language proficiency, as assessed by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)/Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) score, emerged as a significant determinant in the allocation of ITAs in 2022.

The following table illustrates the distribution of ITAs based on language proficiency scores:

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ITA Nominations by Work Experience

1. ITA Nominations by Canadian Work Experience

Last year's ITA distribution reflected candidates' Canadian work experience.

• 41% (18,986 ITAs) had one year of experience
• 35% (16,066 ITAs) had no experience
• 16% (7,246 ITAs) had 2 years of experience

In 2022, candidates with the following levels of Canadian work experience received less than
4% of Express Entry ITAs.

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2. ITA Nominations by Foreign Work Experience

ITAs were also granted to candidates with different levels of foreign work experience. Those with 5 or more years of experience received the largest share, making up 35%.

Here's the breakdown of ITAs for candidates with specific foreign work experience:

ITA Nominations by Occupation

In 2022, there were notable changes in the primary occupations of candidates invited to apply for PR through Express Entry. The technology sector took the lead, with roles like software engineers, information systems specialists, and computer systems developers being the most prevalent among invitees.

The following were the top 15 occupations that played a significant role in the Express Entry program in 2022.

ITA Recipients as per Country: Permanent Residence

In the last year, the majority of Express Entry ITA recipients were Canadian residents, consistent with trends from 2021 and 2020. Among foreign ITA recipients, India and Nigeria were the top countries of residence.

ITA Recipients as per Country: Citizenship

The leading countries of citizenship among ITA recipients have seen slight shifts over the past three years. India consistently held the top position, followed by China ranked second

ITA Nominations by Province

Considering the historical trend of Canadian permanent residents predominantly opting for settlement in three provinces - Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. However, the province of Ontario saw a minor decline, moving from 61% in 2021 to 48% in 2022.

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In its seventh year of operation, Canada's Express Entry system stands as a dependable immigration channel for the federal government. Despite a drop in ITAs, it continues to draw highly skilled foreign individuals who can contribute significantly to the nation's economy and society.

Looking forward, the system is adapting to meet specific labor market needs, introducing category-based draws targeting French proficiency and key occupational groups. With 11,900 ITAs already issued in these categories in 2023, Express Entry remains an appealing avenue for skilled workers globally, offering a straightforward path to permanent residence.

If you're considering Canada immigration, don't hesitate to get in touch with GetGIS Immigration services for end-to-end assistance, including PR guidance, job search support, IELTS training, post-landing services, and more.

FAQs

1. What was the processing time for different express entry programs in 2022?

In 2022, 80% of Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applications were processed within 19 months, which is a notable increase from 6 months in 2021. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) applications took 29 months, slightly up from 28 months in the previous year, while Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applications took 13 months.

2. How can Express Entry applicants better prepare for longer processing times?

To navigate longer processing times, applicants should ensure their applications are complete and accurate, as incomplete or incorrect submissions can further delay the process.

3. What is the Express Entry target for 2023?

The Express Entry target for 2023 is set at 82,880 candidates who will receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence in Canada.

4. What is the significance of achieving the Express Entry target?

Achieving the Express Entry target is essential for Canada to meet its immigration goals and address labor market needs by welcoming skilled professionals and contributing to its economy and society.

5. How can Express Entry candidates stay updated on the latest developments and ITA rounds in 2023?

Express Entry candidates should regularly check the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for updates on ITA rounds and other immigration-related news. Staying informed can help candidates prepare and plan for their permanent residency applications.