Express Entry Insights FSW Candidates Need for Success in 2024/2025

Canada is inviting economic immigrants to live and work here permanently, but navigating Canadian immigration has become increasingly complex and unpredictable. Here are some key takeaways on how many FSW candidates have succeeded through Express Entry — and how you can, too.

Key Takeaways for FSW Candidates

Diversify Your Strategy: Relying solely on general Express Entry draws may limit your chances of success (as we’ve seen recently). Consider targeting category-based draws or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that align with your skills and qualifications.

Improve Your CRS Score: The February 2023 FSW-only draw with a CRS cut-off of 489 showed that lower CRS thresholds are possible, but infrequent. Continually improving your CRS score by proving additional language skills, educational qualifications and work experience can increase your chances in general draws.

Leverage Language Skills: Candidates with intermediate or better French ability saw significant opportunities in 2023, and into 2024. If feasible, improving your French proficiency could open additional pathways to receive an ITA in 2024 or 2025. 

Stay Informed and Adaptive: The Express Entry system is dynamic, with new opportunities arising periodically. Keep track of changes and be ready to adapt your strategy as new draws and criteria are announced.

General Draws: Fewer ITAs Going To FSW Candidates Than Expected

In 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted 19 general draws, issuing a total of 76,700 ITAs. However, only 17,898 (23%) of these were allocated to FSW candidates. This trend suggests that while FSW candidates are still a significant part of the Express Entry system, they faced stiff competition from other categories, like Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates, making it more challenging to receive an ITA in general draws.

A Glimmer of Hope: The February FSW-Specific Draw

One notable moment for FSW candidates came early in the year with a dedicated FSW draw in February 2023. This draw invited 3,300 candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 489 or better, which was considered relatively low at the time. 

This event likely provided a sense of hope for many FSW candidates, indicating that there could be future opportunities with more accessible CRS thresholds. However, this was a one-time occurrence in 2023, and since then category-based draws have been introduced. So, we may not see such a draw in the foreseeable future. 

Category-Based Draws: A Strong Showing for FSW Candidates

2023 saw the introduction of category-based draws, which focused on specific fields of expertise and language skills. Out of 25,870 ITAs issued in these draws, FSW candidates received 13,790 invitations, showing that specialized skills and qualifications significantly increase an applicant’s chances. 

Here’s how FSW invitations were distributed across various categories:

• French-Speaking Candidates: 8,005 or 92% of ITAs issued across six French-language proficiency draws, highlighting the advantage of French language proficiency.
• Healthcare Occupations: 3,340 or 60% of ITAs issued to FSW candidates across four Healthcare draws.
• Agriculture and Agri-Food: 554 or 55% of ITAs issued across three draws.
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM): 1,234 or 19% of ITAs issued across two STEM draws.
• Trades: 246 or 9% of ITAs issued across two Trades draws.
• Transport Occupations: 411 or 25% of ITAs issued across two Transport draws.

These numbers indicate that FSW candidates with expertise in high-demand areas or French language skills had a distinct advantage in 2023. It’s a clear signal to prospective candidates and applicants: honing skills in these sectors or improving French language proficiency can significantly enhance the likelihood of receiving an ITA in the future.

Should FSW Candidates Learn French?

With 92% of all French-language proficiency draws going to FSW candidates, now may be a great time to start learning French. 

The reasons are twofold: not only does Canada award additional points for French ability (and heaps of additional points for bilingualism), French-language proficiency draws for these candidates consistently have lower CRS cut-offs compared to general draws. 

Find out more about how French can supercharge your immigration strategy (even if you don’t speak it yet). 

The Role of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

While Express Entry remains a vital pathway for FSW candidates, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is another critical avenue to consider. In 2023, 26,445 ITAs were issued to PNP applicants. For FSW candidates, securing a provincial nomination through an Express Entry-aligned PNP stream (also known as an “enhanced” stream) provides a substantial CRS score boost, making it easier to receive an ITA. However, this requires a separate application process and fulfilling specific provincial criteria to be successful. 

To find out which PNP streams are aligned with Express Entry, use the PNP Tracker Tool (where you can also filter by other criteria).

In conclusion, the 2023 Express Entry report underscores the importance of a varied approach for FSW candidates. By understanding the trends and leveraging opportunities in both category-based draws and PNPs, FSW candidates can improve their chances of securing an ITA and moving closer to their Canadian immigration goals.

If you are interested in learning more other findings from the 2023 Express Entry report, check out our other articles on this topic:

5 Lessons For Express Entry Candidates From The 2023 Express Entry Report

An Immigration Gender Gap: Category-Based Selection Favours Men, Data Reveals

Almost Half of Express Entry Invitees in 2023 Are Former International Students