Since September 14, 2021, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have refrained from conducting any Canadian Experience Class (CEC) specific Express Entry draws, and this situation has caused significant frustration among numerous eligible candidates seeking permanent residency.
Among those affected are international students and work permit holders who fall under the CEC Express Entry category. Despite possessing promising Express Entry profiles with Canadian education and work experience, these candidates are currently facing challenges in obtaining permanent residency (PR).
To provide some context, the CEC-only Express Entry draws in 2021 had relatively low Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff scores, reaching as low as 357. The highest cutoff score in the last CEC draw held on September 14, 2021, was 462.
The absence of CEC Express Entry draws has left individuals with valid Express Entry profiles and CRS scores falling within the aforementioned range feeling justifiably frustrated. In the past, CEC Express Entry draws used to take place at regular intervals, benefiting candidates with at least one year of experience within Canada.
However, the discontinuation of these draws has left many deserving candidates uncertain about their prospects of obtaining permanent residency through this pathway. The lack of opportunities for these qualified individuals has sparked concerns about the fairness of the current system.
As the situation persists, those awaiting a chance in the CEC Express Entry draws are left to navigate alternative paths to secure their status in Canada. The absence of a clear policy for Canadian experience holders is leading some candidates to consider purchasing Labor Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) or even contemplating a return to their home countries.
In light of these developments, concerned parties have called on the Canadian government to address the issue promptly. Reinstating CEC-specific Express Entry draws and devising a long-term plan to facilitate permanent residency for international students and foreign workers is crucial to retain valuable talent and promoting a balanced immigration system.
Finding a balance between sector-specific draws and the overall demand for skilled workers is essential to ensure fair competition and employment opportunities for all candidates. By acknowledging the contributions of international students and foreign workers and offering them a clear path to permanent residency, Canada can continue to attract and retain top-notch talent from around the world.
Unraveling the Foundation of Express Entry
The Express Entry system was established with a primary focus on three categories of candidates:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – Targeting skilled workers with Canadian work experience.
- Federal Skilled Workers (FSW) – Encompassing skilled workers with experience from around the world, including Canada.
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST) – Catering to workers with expertise in specific skilled trades, such as carpenters, cooks, and electricians, both from within Canada and internationally.
During the inception of the Express Entry system in 2015, Federal Skilled Trades profiles benefited from significantly lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff scores compared to the other two categories, resulting in fewer profiles qualifying for selection.
Similarly, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) also enjoyed lower CRS cutoff scores in CEC-specific Express Entry draws, granting an advantage to profiles with at least one year of Canadian work experience.
Federal Skilled Workers had to compete in draws that covered all programs or those that focused on Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), alongside candidates from CEC and FST profiles. Consequently, ‘no program specified’ Express Entry draws displayed comparatively lower CRS cutoff scores compared to the current overall program draws.
The intention behind this three-draw structure was to provide a pathway to permanent residency for individuals with Canadian education and work experience while simultaneously attracting skilled workers from across the globe.
As a result of this system, many international students saw Canada as an appealing destination for settling down due to the benefits they could receive from studying and gaining work experience in the country, along with a pathway to permanent residency.
However, in 2023, new targeted Express Entry draws have been narrowed down to focus on 82 specific occupations, which also include various trades. This has led to more than 20% of highly skilled immigrants from outside Canada departing the country due to challenges in finding suitable work opportunities that align with their skills and difficulties in integrating into the Canadian way of life.
On the other hand, international students and foreign workers who have already integrated themselves into Canadian society, paying taxes and contributing to the country, are now compelled to compete with the same talent pool, which may seem unjust.
The cessation of CEC draws by IRCC has raised concerns, as there is no specific Express Entry draw or policy catering to Canadian experience holders, leaving them with limited options – either resorting to buying Labor Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), returning to their home countries, or pursuing further studies in Canada.
Anticipating the Next CEC Express Entry Draw in 2023
Numerous inquiries from our valued readers revolve around the same question: “When can we expect the next CEC draw in 2023?”
It appears that there is a growing concern about the Canadian government’s disconnect with the reality on the ground or perhaps a reluctance to address the matter. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser did acknowledge during an event that efforts are underway to devise a plan to benefit CEC candidates by awarding them an even more Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for their Canadian work experience. However, the status of this initiative remains uncertain, leaving some to wonder if it was merely a tactic to avoid addressing the uncomfortable question.
Meanwhile, as things stand, hopeful CEC candidates are navigating their way to remain in Canada, holding on to the anticipation of a draw specifically dedicated to Canadian talent. The lack of clarity surrounding the future of CEC Express Entry draws has left these individuals in a state of uncertainty and has prompted them to explore alternative options to secure their status in the country.
It is evident that the situation is being closely monitored by our readers and the broader community, with a strong desire for the Canadian government to address the matter promptly and provide a clearer pathway for CEC candidates seeking permanent residency.
Our Perspective on the Matter
Balancing the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Draws: A Call for Comprehensive Immigration Strategies
To ensure fairness and equal opportunities, conducting CEC draws parallel to ‘all program draws’ and targeted Express Entry draws is of utmost importance. The IRCC Minister should take proactive measures and devise a well-thought-out, long-term plan to grant permanent residency (PR) to both international students and foreign workers in Canada.
Addressing readers’ concerns, one of our readers aptly points out the potential consequences of exclusively targeting STEM, healthcare, and other occupations. While addressing labor shortages is necessary, concentrating on 82 specific occupations may inadvertently create a heightened level of competition and even lead to an increased unemployment rate in those sectors across the country.
Unfortunately, the introduction of targeted Express Entry draws has resulted in some candidates in the pool resorting to unethical practices, such as running fake payrolls in priority occupations to gain the required six months of experience and become eligible for selection.
Moreover, an alarming development has emerged in the form of a black market for Labor Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), which the government appears to be overlooking. The introduction of targeted draws has further fueled this issue, with individuals now resorting to purchasing more LMIAs to bolster their CRS scores and enhance their chances of being chosen.
While the PGWP extension offers temporary relief to international students awaiting CEC-only draws, it falls short of a permanent solution for CEC candidates seeking PR. Canada needs to chart a sustainable pathway for retaining international talent and address the current challenges in the immigration system.