Sean Fraser’s Statement About Taking Up Again Draws for Express Entry Programs.

After suspending two Express Entry streams which are Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is planning to resume draws of these two streams in the upcoming spring.

Fraser’s Statement Regarding Some of Canadian Immigration Programs.

In a virtual interview with ApplyBoard Fraser spoke about some immigration program updates including establishing new streams for international students and temporary foreign workers to obtain Canadian permanent residency.

Also, he acknowledged that candidates who are eligible for Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) can apply for Express Entry draws in 2022. But he did not declare a specific date for this update. 

As well as, Fraser stated that residents who are working in Canada and have the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) which is about to expire, cannot apply for immigration and cannot get an Open Work Permit without an invitation to apply (ITA). 

He stressed that once the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) expired, (PGWP) holders can not renew or extend their permit, but they either need to obtain a different work permit or leave Canada. 

He said: “We’re looking at different options right now to make sure we don’t lose out on talent,”. “We will have much more to say on this in the weeks and months ahead.”

Reasons for Suspending FSWP and CEC Draws Since 2020.

The main reason that forced Canada to close its doors and paused Express Entry draws including Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is the coronavirus pandemic that affected countries all over the world in many fields especially traveling and immigration.

Also, the number of candidates for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) was large to the extent that IRCC was not able to process all these applications so officials were forced to pause new applications.

The Current Situation of Express Entry Programs.

Every two weeks, Canada has been working on Express Entry draws for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). In order to accomplish the 2022-2024 Immigration Plan IRCC will provide Invitations to Apply (ITAs) this year. Express Entry candidates will take about one year to apply for permanent residency.

“I don’t want to see people—who have a job, who are making a contribution, who want to stay—to leave at the same time that I’m trying to cure the labour shortage by embracing immigration.” Canadian Immigration Minister, Fraser.