Express entry - 2018 - 2020 plans

Earlier this week on 1st November 2018, the immigration minister announced the plans for the next few years. The targets are to invite 310,000 new permanent residents in 2018, 330,000 in 2019 and 340,000 in 2020. Note that this covers all streams and not just the economic express entry program.

What are the PR targets specifically for Express entry program?

1. 2018 year - 177500 primary applicants and 86000 family members.
2. 2019 year - 191600 primary applicants and 88500 family members.
3. 2020 year - 195800 primary applicants and 91000 family members.

Overall thoughts

1. This is more than enough time to prepare yourself for your application.  It is very encouraging to see transparency from CIC. You have way more free resources (including my blog) for preparation.
2. 32% of invites in each year in 2018 and 2019 are for provincial nomination and Atlantic immigration programs. These programs are best suited for folks who are already working in Canada i.e. on work permits and have been staying in a province for 1-2 years.  So if you haven't evaluated your Express entry score, please do so now. Take advantage of the favorable plans. In 2020, 36% of invites is for provincial nomination program and Atlantic immigration program.
3. Almost 42% of invites each year is reserved for federal skilled workers i.e. skilled applicants residing outside Canada, skilled trades and Canadian experience class.
4. Interestingly,  the percentage of invites for caregivers is declining. From 17000 in 2018 the number of invites in 2020 is supposed to decline to 5000.

How about Canada's neighbor - USA?

It is an interesting time in November 2018 where the H1B visa regulations are getting very tough, especially for techies. It seems like Canada is milking the situation and is attracting the talent. As someone who was exactly on H1B until a few months ago, it has been a great move. Perhaps a blessing in disguise. If you were to move outside the US then Canada would definitely be the 1st choice. It is perhaps the easiest move and you have handy benefits due to your presence in US. With immigration rules changing in the US and the system perhaps getting more complex, you have favorable conditions for Express entry. Those familiar with the employment categories of green card backlog - There are around 600K people (including dependents) as of November 2018, who are awaiting green cards and will takes several years or even decades to get it. The increased numbers for Canadian program is a good sign that they are scouting talent from their neighbor. DO NOT wait until the last year!

Recommendations for less experienced people

You just need 1 year of skilled experience (1560 hours) in your primary NOC to apply.  Keep tabs on express entry draws and calculate your score. You have time to consider different options to improve your score!

You might want to read below -
1. Get started with express entry today!