In 2018, we had a total of 25 draws in the Skilled Worker category under Express Entry. In addition, there were only two draws that pertained to Federal Skilled Trades workers and only one draw that focused on candidates with a nomination from one of the provinces.
The year 2017 in Express Entry was characterized by an optimistic atmosphere. We saw draws with relatively low and realistic scores, which started high at 468 and gradually, in a steady trend, even dropped to just 413 points.
The year 2018, on the other hand, was characterized somewhat differently…
Already towards the end of 2017, we witnessed an upward trend that began to stabilize and maintained a relatively high score, around 440-456 points. In fact, throughout the entire year, the score did not fall below 440 points except for once only, in the last draw of 2018, in which 3900 candidates were drawn with a score of 439 points.
For 2019, an increase of approximately 10% (for all streams combined) is planned in the number of candidates who will be invited to become permanent residents by Canada. It is possible that the new year will be more positive than the previous year, and this will be indicated by a downward trend in accordance with the minor decrease in score that was reflected in the last draw of 2018.
But to be realistic, of course, it is not possible to rely on this assumption, and we can only hope for a real decrease in score. Therefore, it is recommended to explore and examine all other ways in which it is possible to immigrate to Canada and become a permanent resident. As of today, for those who do not meet the high score threshold of 440 points and above, it is recommended to examine:
- Provincial Nominee Programs that provide an additional 600 points in Express Entry.
- Arriving in Canada through a student visa pathway, which grants the student the possibility to work part-time and the spouse to work full-time on an open work permit.
- A job offer that will provide an additional 50-200 points in Express Entry (depending on the position offered) + will allow an open work permit for the spouse + will assist in advancing the process for permanent residence, whether through the federal stream via Express Entry or through a provincial stream depending on the province where the job is offered.
As mentioned, in addition to the Skilled Worker stream draws, there were also two additional draws in the Federal Skilled Trades stream in May and September of the past year. In this category, the score ranged between only 284 and 288 points.
These draws focus on candidates with technical professions who are eligible to apply even without higher academic education and/or perfect English. The candidate is entitled to open a profile in Express Entry under this category, provided that they have at least two years of work experience in one of the occupations listed + a Canadian qualification and/or a job offer.
Canadian certification in occupations under this list is possible even if the candidate does not reside in Canada. It is important to note that most of these occupations will require the RED SEAL exam, which takes place in Canada and certifies professionals to work in these occupations in Canada. Our office is very knowledgeable in all existing pathways at the federal and provincial levels, as well as in the recognition and approval process for taking exams in technical professions.
Whether you are planning to hire an office to assist you in this important process or whether you are considering carrying out the process independently,
we recommend that instead of getting lost within the vast and diverse databases, it is better to come to us for a consultation meeting.
In the consultation meeting, you will be able to gain a true and accurate understanding of your situation and your chances of becoming Canadian permanent residents according to the existing pathways today, and you will also be able to develop a strategic plan on how and when to carry out the steps that will lead you towards this goal.
May we all have a wonderful Express Entry year, with large draws and “small” scores.
Michal Ohayon and the UCI Team
