Since the launch of the Canada Express Entry System in 2015, there have been only 2 times when Express Entry draws took almost 2 months off from conducting draws.
1. Pandemic (2020):
March 4 to May 13, 2020: No draws for over two months. The pandemic caused significant disruptions, and IRCC had to adjust its operations and priorities.
2. End of 2021:
September 15 to December 22, 2021: A gap of over three months. This was due to IRCC focusing on clearing backlogs and processing existing applications rather than issuing new ITAs.
These were the only 2 times when Express Entry Draws did not happen for almost 2 months, however, in 2024 similar scenario can be seen based on recent draws. Since after, April 24, 2024, there has been no potential draw took place. The only draws conducted were the Canadian Experience Class and PNP Draw.
Why are Express Entry Draws not happening?
There are several potential reasons for the recent pause in Express Entry draws by IRCC. Although, there has been no official statement by IRCC on this pause, however, one of the potential reasons could be upcoming changes to categories and the introduction of new versions of category-based draws.
This could be anything related to the change in how draws will be conducted categorizing candidates further based not only on occupation but also region of occupation, increase in domestic and CEC draws can been seen in upcoming Draws.
5 Potential Reasons Why Express Entry Draws are not Happening?
1. Changes in the System
IRCC may introduce a new version system where category draws such as STEM, Trade, Agriculture, or French Speaking will be further divided based on region, category or points.
These changes are unknown for now, but new changes will be introduced anytime soon, this is one of the potential reasons why there have not been Express Entry draws for so long or delay in express entry draws.
2. Processing Capacity and Application Backlog
IRCC may be managing its processing capacity. With a high volume of applications from previous draws, IRCC might be pausing to avoid backlog and ensure timely processing of existing applications.
It has also been seen that IRCC has huge backlog from previous years that might prompt IRCC to pause new draws temporarily.
This helps manage processing times and ensures that existing applications are handled efficiently without overwhelming the system. This could be another reason that IRCC may not be conducting regular Express Entry Draws.
3. Increased Immigration
One of the key problems being faced by the Canadian economy is increased immigration. The recent increase in the temporary resident population has faced a lot of backlash from the general public and the economy has been adversely affected too.
This does impact on Job market and increases the cost of living in Canada.
Measures to resolve this issue are being taken care of by IRCC, thus we are able to see more Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws and increase the quota for provinces to invite more people through PNP streams. This is also the reason why Express entry draws are so high in 2024.
4. Strategic Planning for Future Draws
IRCC might be planning strategic changes to the Express Entry system, such as targeting specific skill sets or demographic groups more effectively.
This could include adjusting the CRS (more points could be given based on region of occupations) or modifying selection criteria to better align with labor market needs.
Check out: Will CRS Score Go Down in 2024 for Express Entry Canada?
Rcent changes in the Express Entry system, which include category-based draws, might also be a factor. These changes require careful planning and might result in temporary pauses as IRCC adjusts the system.
5. Administrative Overhaul
This is usually common and IRCC does take a pause every year for administrative reasons, and this could be one of the reasons Why Express Entry draws are not happening.
IRCC could be undergoing internal restructuring or implementing new administrative processes to improve efficiency.
This might involve updating technology, training staff, or revamping procedures, which could temporarily disrupt regular draw schedules. In 2022, IRCC did this haul in the month of November for the whole year they did not conduct any draw.
When will draws resume?
There is no official information from on when this will draws happen again from IRCC. However, Based on the speculated reasons for pause in draws it can be speculated they cannot hold draws for more than 3 months.
IRCC has a quota of giving Permanent residency to 110,000 people in economy class (i.e. Express Entry Canada) and so far it has been almost 6 months and IRCC has sent nearly 40,000 invitations.
IRCC has to send about 70,000 more invitations in the upcoming 6 months. This gives them less room to have any more gaps for conducting regular draws.
Will new changes affect everyone?
Yes, if there will be new changes that will affect everyone in the pool, however, you will be given time to make changes to your express entry profile.
When will be Next Express Entry Draw?
You can check the Express Entry Draw prediction here to know more about the next Express Entry Draw and at what CRS score.
