On Thursday, April 7, the Government of Canada announced the Budget 2022, outlining the government’s spending priorities for the next year. The budget indicates that changes may be on the way for the Express Entry immigration system, enabling the system to be more responsive to Canadian labour market needs:
“In Budget 2022, the government proposes to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to provide the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada with authority to use Ministerial Instructions to help select those candidates who best meet Canada’s labour market needs from among the growing pool of candidates who wish to become permanent residents through the Express Entry System.” — Budget 2022
The government wants Express Entry draws to invite candidates not based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score alone, but also based on an Express Entry candidate’s ability to fill a labour market need in Canada.
What does this mean for Express Entry?
Currently, the Express Entry system invites candidates based on two factors: their CRS score and their immigration program. If an Express Entry draw takes place for candidates in all programs, and the CRS score cut-off is at 450 points—every candidate with a score above 450 points will be invited to apply, regardless of occupation, work experience, language ability, etc.