Canada to resume federal draws starting July 2022

A while ago, quarantine and travel restrictions were lifted from all kinds of visitors entering Canada. There was an improvement in the visa processing time as well. Improving things a step further, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser made a recent announcement to resume all economic class and federal draws in early July 2022. Draws for Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and many more will resume in the first week of July 2022.

This makes it a perfect time for new and aspiring experienced workers to apply for Canadian permanent residency as soon as possible. The sooner you apply the faster your applications will be processed as the government also aims at bringing back the 6 months’ standard processing time which earlier stood at 7 months to 21 months due to the pandemic. The change is evident from the steps taken by IRCC at clearing the backlog of applications under the mentioned streams. By 2024, they plan on welcoming an extraordinary number of immigrants to the country.

Major take-outs from the announcement:

• FSWP, FSTP & CEC draws to resume in early July
• Six-month processing standard to be brought back
• Additional 18 months extension for PGWP visa holders having an expiry between January and December 2022
• Lift on onshore residency requirement while the visa application is in process
• Open Work Permit can also be granted to immediate family members outside Canada who are included in the primary applicant’s PR application.

About Express Entry Pathway

This is a fast-tracked way for skilled workers to apply for permanent residency in Canada given that they are eligible as per the stated standards. The Express Entry system is a program that functions based on points allotted to the applicant according to six important elements, age, language proficiency, work experience, previous education, adaptability, and spouse/partner. The applicant has to submit an EOI (Expression of Interest) that is then assessed and reviewed by IRCC who gives scores in terms of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), to the candidates. After the submission and assessment of the application, you enter the Express Entry Pool from which top candidates having the highest CRS Score are selected and invited to apply.

How to increase your chances of getting nominated?

Merely making your profile and filing out the requirements won’t increase your chances of getting picked. For that you need to keep certain things in mind.

• Make sure that your IELTS score, Passport and Express Entry Profile are up to date and not expiring anytime soon.
• Improve English and French points if you think that you still have the slightest margin of rejection.
• Focus on your work experience and try to get as much field exposure as possible so that your profile stands out.
• You can also add your spouse’s credentials to your profile if you’re married and you’re applying as a couple.