Canada Immigration News Podcast #22 – CEC Express Entry Draw, New Visa Centres in Mexico, Latest IEC Invitations

Published

2 years ago

June 4, 2024

Ryan

Canada Immigration News Podcast

Canada Immigration News Podcast #22 - CEC Express Entry Draw, New Visa Centres in Mexico, Latest IEC Invitations

00:00 / 4:29

In this episode, we discuss the highly anticipated Express Entry draw focused on the Canadian Experience Class, Canada’s plans to expand visa application services in Mexico, and the latest invitation rounds through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program.

Long-Awaited Canadian Experience Class Express Entry Draw

-On May 31, 2024, IRCC held first CEC-specific Express Entry draw since September 2021
– 3,000 Invitations to Apply issued
– Minimum score requirement of 522 points
– Tie-break rule applied to March 19, 2024 at 18:58:58 UTC
– 224,404 active candidates across all EE pools as of May 29
– 41,955 total ITAs issued through Express Entry in 2024 so far

Canada Opening New Visa Application Centres in Mexico

– 3 additional VACs to open in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara by end of May
– Will initially offer biometrics collection services only
– Plans to expand to passport intake and document transmission
– Will bring total to 4 VACs operating across Mexico’s 3 largest cities
– Aims to streamline visa application process for Mexican nationals
– Foster stronger travel and people-to-people ties while maintaining screening integrity

Surge of New IEC Invitations Over Past 2 Weeks

– Between May 20 – June 2, IRCC issued 4,615 invitations under IEC program
– As of June 2, over 34,000 candidates in IEC pool awaiting invite
– Invitations issued to candidates from 28 partner countries
– Top invited groups: 1,233 (South Korea), 859 (UK), 394 (France), 378 (Japan), 244 (Germany)
– Smaller draws for countries like Luxembourg (1), Netherlands (1)
– Brings Canada’s 2024 total IEC invitations to 83,384 so far

Stay tuned for continued coverage and analysis of the latest Canadian immigration news!

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Date	Province	Invitations
July 16	Manitoba	2146 Invitations
July 16	British Columbia	569 Invitations
July 16	Prnce Edward Island	195 Invitation
July 15	Alberta	1177 Invitations
July 9	British Columbia	347 Invitations
Check Out the Full List of PNP Draws➜

TR to PR Pathway Speeds Up Worker Approvals Across Canada

Canada has accelerated permanent residence processing for up to 33,000 temporary workers through the new In-Canada Workers Initiative linked to the TR to PR pathway. The federal government is prioritizing applicants already living and working in smaller Canadian communities through programs such as the Provincial Nominee Program, Atlantic Immigration Program, caregiver pilots, and rural immigration streams.

This initiative reflects Canada’s growing focus on transitioning temporary residents into permanent residents rather than relying solely on new overseas immigration intake. Workers who already have Canadian work experience and community ties are increasingly viewed as ideal long-term immigrants because they integrate faster into the labour market and local economies. The program also supports Canada’s strategy to reduce temporary resident levels while filling labour shortages in key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, caregiving, and skilled trades.

New Brunswick Expands Physician Licensing Program

New Brunswick has expanded its physician licensing program to improve access for internationally trained doctors seeking to practice in Canada. The province is simplifying licensing procedures and introducing more flexible pathways for qualified physicians to enter the healthcare workforce faster. This expansion aims to address persistent doctor shortages, especially in rural and underserved communities where access to healthcare professionals remains limited.

Healthcare continues to be one of Canada’s highest priority immigration sectors, and provinces are increasingly adjusting licensing and credential recognition systems to attract medical professionals from abroad. By making physician licensing more accessible, New Brunswick strengthens both its healthcare system and its appeal as a destination for skilled newcomers looking for long-term opportunities in Canada.

Canada Job Market Signals a New Shift in Employment Trends

Canada’s labour market is showing signs of transition as payroll employment growth slows in some sectors while demand remains high in others. Recent data indicates declines in payroll employment in industries such as retail and administrative services, while healthcare, manufacturing, and construction continue to demonstrate strong hiring activity.

This shift highlights how Canada’s economy is evolving toward sectors tied to infrastructure, healthcare expansion, and population growth. Immigration policy is increasingly aligned with these labour market realities, which explains the continued rise of category-based Express Entry draws and targeted provincial immigration pathways.

At the same time, many employers continue facing labour shortages despite slower overall payroll growth. This means skilled immigrants remain essential to supporting Canada’s economy, especially in sectors requiring specialized training, technical expertise, or healthcare qualifications.

BC PNP Entrepreneur Stream Issues 13 Invitations

British Columbia has continued supporting business immigration through its Entrepreneur Immigration stream, issuing 13 invitations in the latest BC PNP Entrepreneur draw. Candidates selected under this stream are expected to establish or invest in businesses that contribute to economic growth and job creation across the province.

The BC PNP Entrepreneur pathway remains an important option for experienced business owners and senior managers looking to immigrate to Canada while building businesses in regional communities. British Columbia continues prioritizing entrepreneurs who can support innovation, tourism, technology, and local economic development.

Entrepreneur immigration programs play a critical role in Canada’s broader immigration strategy by attracting investment, supporting regional economies, and creating employment opportunities for Canadians and newcomers alike.

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Draw	Number Of Invitations	Minimum CRS Points
430 (Skilled Military Recruits)	4	368
429 (French)	5000	399
428 (CEC)	2000	516
427 (PNP )	511	744
426 (Senior Managers )	500	392
All Express Entry Draw Results ➜