We’ve got some recent intel straight from the Government of Canada, diving deep into the profiles of folks who snagged an Express Entry invitation between January and September 2023. A whopping 53,455 Invitations To Apply (ITAs) were handed out during that stretch. Also, don’t forget to add the 9,173 ITAs tossed into the mix by the IRCC in October.

Now, let’s break down these numbers. We’re categorizing them by program, province, Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, age, and occupation. The Express Entry system, is like the gatekeeper for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and even manages a chunk of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Sure, each immigration program dances to its own eligibility tune, but here’s the common ground: the CRS scores. Think of them as the points on the board for these immigration candidates. Age, work experience, language skills, and education—all in the mix.

Here’s a surprise fact. We’re not just counting the Express Entry folks on their own. No, we’re also factoring in those who got a nod from the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). That’s an extra 600 CRS points in the bag for an Express Entry candidate due to that nomination.

Now, folks in their twenties, rocking a software engineering background, and with dreams of Ontario living (or already living the dream) are the top shots in line for those coveted ITAs.

Immigration Programs That Got The Most Invitations

When it comes to getting the most number of ITAs, the CEC ruled the roost in the first nine months of 2023. By default, CEC candidates tick the important eligibility criteria metrics, like a minimum of one year of Canadian work experience and IRCC’s language proficiency criteria. Overall, out of all the ITAs, about 45% (23,910) were secured by CEC candidates.

With 15,855 ITAs, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) comes in second, accounting for almost 30% of all ITAs.

The PNP program secured the third spot by getting 13,655 ITAs (26% of all ITAs).

Which Are The Top Occupations?

The occupations that secured the most ITAs per program witnessed a bit of overlapping. Among the top five occupations in the following three programs, software engineering stood out prominently:

Canadian Experience Class

• Software engineers and designers: 1,725
• Computer programmers and interactive media developers: 1,745
• Information systems analysts and consultants: 1,375
• CEC Food Service Supervisors: 1,240
• Administrative assistants: 855

Federal Skilled Worker Program

• Financial auditors and accountants: 650
• Dentists: 570
• Software engineers and designers: 565
• Professional occupations in advertising, marketing, and public relations: 505
• Database analysts and data administrators: 420

Provincial Nominee Program

• Other occupations: 970
• Software engineers and designers: 820
• Information systems analysts and consultants: 615
• Computer programmers and interactive media developers: 595
• Welders and related machine operators: 420

Invitations Based On CRS Score

Out of all Express Entry candidates, almost half of them (26,070) had a CRS score of 451-500 and 11,640 had scores between 501-600.

A very meager amount of 225 candidates received ITA who had scores between 601-700 whereas 60 candidates scored between 701-800. Additionally, in the range of 801-900 CRS scores, there were 790 candidates.

Significantly,  there were over 7,550 Express Entry candidates with a CRS score between 901-1000 and more than 5,040 candidates got scores more than 1,000. Getting a provincial nomination is by far the only way to secure a CRS score of about 600. The PNP nomination can fetch 600 points out of the maximum 1,200 CRS points a candidate may secure.

Invitations Based On Province

The data revealed that 31,550 ITAs were issued to candidates who were either living in Ontario or expressed their intention to live there.

With 10,655 ITAs, British Columbia had the second-highest number of invitations, whereas Alberta received 5,280 ITAs.

Similarly, Nova Scotia received 1,595 ITAs. The remaining provinces had fewer than 1,500 ITAs each.

Invitations Based On Age

The maximum number of candidates who received an ITA were in the age bracket of 19-29. Overall, 28,790 Express Entry candidates in their twenties received ITAs.

Furthermore, 20,865 candidates in their thirties were invited to apply. There were fewer than 4,000 candidates aged 40 or older who were issued ITAs.

The IRCC allocates a higher CRS score to younger candidates. This decision is grounded in a longitudinal analysis conducted by Statistics Canada, revealing that newcomers who arrive at a younger age have a greater amount of time to assimilate into the Canadian labor market.

According to research conducted by Statistics Canada, age emerges as a robust indicator of immigrant labor market integration. Individuals who immigrate at a younger age generally benefit from increased opportunities to enhance their proficiency in English and/or French, accumulate Canadian work experience, and cultivate a professional network within Canada. Notably, a single Express Entry candidate falling within the 20-29 age bracket is awarded 110 CRS points, while a 19-year-old candidate receives 105 points.

Immigration Levels In Express Entry

Between January and September of 2023 the number of Invitations To Apply (ITAs) given to Express Entry candidates skyrocketed compared to the count, in 2022 which was 37,335. However, it still falls short of the 108,105 ITAs issued in 2021.

Now lets discuss the COVID-19 years — a time when unexpected challenges were thrown our way due to the pandemic. In 2021 the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made a decision to increase ITAs for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. They aimed to welcome over 400,000 newcomers amidst COVID 19 chaos and border restrictions. However this plan encountered some obstacles resulting in a backlog and service disruptions. Moving forward to 2022 IRCC decided to reduce the number of Express Entry ITAs.

Since the unfolding of the COVID 19 saga CEC candidates have received the majority of ITAs. If we go back, to pandemic times it was actually the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) that held that distinction as recipients of most ITAs.

Looking ahead into 2024 and beyond IRCC aims to admit 110,770 residents through Express Entry. This target is expected to increase to around 117,500 admissions both in 2025 and 2026. It’s important to note that while overall admissions are projected to grow over time; however the number of ITAs tends to be lower, than these admission figures.

This is because when candidates are successful, in the Express Entry system they have the opportunity to bring their family, spouse and children with them. However it is important for their family members to also meet the norms set by IRCC.