October 19, 2025
Misplaced Priorities: Are Category-Based Express Entry Draws Leaving Canadian Experience Behind?
Canada’s Express Entry system was introduced to prioritize high-skilled immigrants with the greatest potential to succeed in Canada — especially those already contributing through work, study, and community involvement. But recent trends in category-based draws suggest a worrying shift in priorities.
As thousands of invitations are issued under new, niche categories, one question continues to echo across the country:
Is IRCC forgetting about the people who are already here — living, working, and building lives in Canada?
A Record Number of Invitations — But to Whom?
This month alone, 9,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates under the French-language proficiency category — 4,500 in early October, and another 4,500 in September. These are significant numbers, especially when compared to the limited draws for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates, which often see fewer than 1,000 ITAs at a time.
Let’s break that down:
- CRS cut-off for French-language draws: 432
- Number of invitations in a single month: 9,000
- Many recipients: outside of Canada, with little or no local work or study experience.
Meanwhile, thousands of people already in Canada — international graduates, skilled workers on post-graduation work permits, and foreign nationals filling critical labour gaps — are left waiting, often with higher CRS scores, and far more evidence of their integration.
What Happened to the Promise of Express Entry?
When Express Entry launched, it was praised as a merit-based system that rewarded those who demonstrated economic potential and social integration. If you were:
- Studying at a Canadian institution 🎓
- Working full-time in a skilled occupation 💼
- Paying taxes, rent, and contributing to local communities 💰
…you were supposed to be a top candidate for permanent residency.
Now, many of these individuals are finding themselves stuck in limbo, watching candidates with no Canadian experience but French language proficiency move ahead in line.
French Proficiency — A Valuable Asset, But at What Cost?
Let’s be clear: Promoting bilingualism is an important goal for Canada. French-speaking newcomers bring valuable cultural and economic contributions, especially in communities outside Quebec. But when language alone becomes the main gateway to PR — even for those with minimal work experience or ties to Canada — it creates a system that feels disconnected from real-world labour needs.
Is the current approach truly solving Canada’s labour shortages? Or is it simply checking boxes to meet linguistic targets?
The Impact on People Already Here
Thousands of temporary residents have built their lives in Canada under the assumption that pathways to PR would reward their time, effort, and integration. Instead, they’re facing:
- Uncertainty as work permits expire
- Stress over high CRS cut-offs
- Frustration as newcomers with fewer ties leapfrog them
This leads to not just personal hardship, but also risks for Canada’s retention and economic goals. When committed, well-integrated individuals are pushed out due to delays or restrictive policies, we lose exactly the kind of immigrants who are most likely to succeed long-term.
A Call for Balance
Category-based draws can serve a purpose. They can fill specific gaps in language, industry, or region. But they must be balanced with a continued commitment to those who have already invested time, money, and effort into building lives here.
At MyWorld Immigration, we believe in fairness, transparency, and smart immigration policy. That means supporting those who are not just dreaming about Canada — but are already helping to build it.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s immigration system is one of the most admired in the world — but it only works when it reflects real-world priorities. If Express Entry is to remain effective and respected, it must ensure that those with Canadian experience, local ties, and demonstrated integration are not left behind.
📌 If you’re a CEC candidate feeling stuck or unsure about your options, contact MyWorld Immigration today. We’re here to help you navigate Express Entry and explore alternative pathways to PR.
📞 WhatsApp: +1-672-399-0000
🌐 www.myworldimmigration.com
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