IRCC: Express Entry FSWP and CEC Invitations to Resume On Spring

Before the pandemic occurred, due to the high number of candidates in the Express Entry pool, candidates under the Foreign Skilled Worker Program were invited to apply for permanent residence more than any other Express Entry-managed program. However, due to the global pandemic, borders to international travel were closed by the Canadian government. With that, immigration applicants who were already approved from any country across the globe and individuals who were not exempted were not allowed to complete their permanent residency landing.

In a recent interview, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser mentioned that the department is aiming to resume its skilled workers Express Entry draws this coming spring. The Federal High Skilled category includes all candidates who are qualified for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class.

Since December 2020, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have not held Express Entry draws for the candidates under FSWP, while the CEC draws have been on hiatus since September 2021. Eligible Express Entry candidates won’t be able to apply without these draws.