2015 - 2017 Express entry results

The IRCC issues a report annually on the express entry program. One of the questions that is commonly asked is if their profession is in demand in Canada. That's why we thought of looking at these reports to analyze the profiles that were awarded permanent residency. This information can help you look at patterns and help you prepare for your own journey.

What were the overall trends for the last 3 years?

The Express entry program has gained popularity over the last 3 years i.e. from 2015 until now. In 2015, 35K people applied and 16K PRs (total persons) were issued  In 2017, 109K people applied ultimately 93K PRs (total persons) were issued. There were 30 draws in 2017 and were conducted every fortnight approximately. Each application could have multiple people. That's why total persons number includes every person that got a PR. The online process is really great and partly the reason for the popularity. Personally,  it is also the reason that we were inclined to apply. The number of active profiles have increased every year (60042 in 2015, 58328 in 2016 and 71087 in 2017). This tells you that program has gained popularity

What was the demographic of the profiles that were accepted?

People from different countries in North America i.e. USA and Canada,  Asia and Africa have been granted PR. This program has seen at least double the numbers from almost every country. 73%- 76% of PRs have been granted to profiles of applicants residing in India,  Canada and USA.  As expected,  the number of applicants from USA has increased by 6.5 times! (902 PRs were granted in 2016 and 5820 PRs were granted in 2017)

What were the streams under which PRs were granted?

• 2016 statistics -
• 23% of permanent residents that were admitted came from PNP program.
• Ontario, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and British Columbia were top PNP programs that admitted entry.
• Remaining 77% came from other programs (Federal skilled worker, Federal skilled trades)
• 2017 statistics -
• 20% of permanent residents that were admitted came from PNP program.
• Ontario, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and British Columbia were top PNP programs that admitted entry.
• Interestingly the number of folks thru PNP doubled up than in 2016.
• 26% of permanent residents that were admitted came from Canadian experience class
• Remaining 54% came from other programs (Federal skilled worker, Federal skilled trades)
• The number of folks admitted thru these programs has doubled.
• Only 15% of invites went to candidates who had arranged employment.
• Effectively 59% of invites were issued to folks outside Canada without arranged employment.

Which were the top NOCs i.e. job codes were invited to apply for permanent residency?

This is one of the indicators of the demand in Canada. These were the NOCs that received the highest number of invites in 2016 and 2017. The top NOCs accounted for 36% of the invites in both years. Note that remaining 64% of invites were given to other NOCs. So, as you can see that almost every profession has a chance.

• Computer analysts and developers (2171, 2173 and 2174) - 15% of the invites in 2016, 2017
• Cooks and food supervisors (6322 and 6311) - 3% & 7% for 2016, 2017
• University professors and lecturers (4011) - 3% for 2016, 2017
• Financial industry (1111, 1112) - 4% for 2016, 2017
• Administrative assistants (1241) - ~ 1.5% in 2016, 2017
• Professionals in advertising, marketing & public relations (1123) - 2% in 2016, 2017
• Graphic designers & Illustrators (5241) - ~2% in 2016, 2017
• Retail sale supervisors (6211) - ~2% in 2016, 2017
• Management consulting (1122) - ~ 1% in 2016, 2017

What were the education profiles of folks who got an invite?

• 2017 statistics -
• Canadian education - Only 35% of invites were issued to folks with Canadian education
• About 3% of invites were made to French speakers
• 2016 statistics - 
• Canadian education - Only 10.5% of invites were issued to folks with Canadian education
• About 3% of invites were made to French speakers

What is the final recommendation?

Express entry program has gained momentum in the last 3 years. Year on year, the number of people admitted via this program has increased. A variety of professions have been admitted in this program. Diversity is one of the goals of the program with. International education certainly is embraced. Hope this gives you the confidence to start your own journey!

Next steps -

• Get started with express entry today.
• Understand the stages of express entry.
• Cost of immigrating to Canada.