Category: Immigration

Canada’s immigration momentum remains strong as the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a total of 21,281 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency in October 2025.
This figure highlights one of the most active months of the year for Canada’s immigration programs, showcasing the country’s continued focus on attracting skilled workers and transitioning temporary residents to permanent status.

These invitations were distributed through a mix of Express Entry draws, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and category-based selection rounds for in-demand occupations and language skills.

Breakdown of Permanent Residency Invitations – October 2025

Date	Draw Type	Number of Invitations	CRS Cut-off	Remarks / Category
Oct 29, 2025	French Language Proficiency	6,000	416	Category-based draw for French speakers
Oct 28, 2025	Canadian Experience Class (CEC)	1,000	533	Targeted toward temporary residents in Canada
Oct 27, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)	302	761	For candidates nominated by provinces
Oct 15, 2025	Healthcare & Social Services	2,500	472	Category-based draw for healthcare occupations
Oct 14, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)	345	778	PNP stream supporting regional labor needs
Oct 8, 2025	Trade Occupations	650	441	Skilled trade professionals
Oct 3, 2025	General Express Entry	10,484	495	Open draw for all categories

Total Invitations (October 2025): 21,281

This data shows that October was not only diverse in draw types but also balanced between targeted and general rounds — an indication of Canada’s ongoing efforts to fill both national and provincial labor shortages.

Express Entry Draw Highlights – October 2025

Stream / Category	Key Focus	Approximate Share of Total ITAs	Trend
French Language Proficiency	Boosting bilingual workforce	~28%	Increasing focus
Healthcare & Social Services	Addressing health sector shortages	~12%	Consistent priority
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)	Transitioning temporary workers	~5%	Stable
Skilled Trades & PNPs	Filling regional gaps	~15%	Steady demand
General Draws	Open to all eligible candidates	~40%	Strong ongoing intake

This diversified strategy allows IRCC to balance targeted economic immigration with general skilled migration, ensuring Canada remains responsive to both immediate and long-term labor demands.

IRCC’s 2025–2027 Immigration Plan

Under the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada aims to welcome approximately 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025.
More than 40% of these admissions are expected to come from temporary residents already in Canada, such as foreign workers and international students.

The IRCC also announced plans to modernize the Express Entry system with smarter, data-driven selection methods and to enhance collaboration with provinces and territories for regional PNP quotas.

What To Expect in Late 2025 and 2026

Period	Expected Focus Areas	Potential Policy Direction
Late 2025	Continuation of category-based draws (French, healthcare, tech)	Sustained high ITA volumes
Early 2026	More pathways for in-Canada temporary workers	Simplified transition from study/work to PR
Mid–Late 2026	Increased PNP allocations to smaller provinces	Stronger regionalization of immigration
2026 overall	Potential adjustment of CRS thresholds	Broader inclusion of skilled trades and STEM roles

Experts predict that Canada will maintain — or even increase — monthly ITA volumes through 2026 as the country continues addressing labor shortages and population growth goals.

Key Takeaways for Applicants

• Keep your Express Entry profile active and up to date.
• Improve your language scores — French proficiency is becoming a major advantage.
• Explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that align with your profession.
• If you’re already in Canada, ensure you qualify under CEC or in-Canada transition programs.

While receiving an ITA is a strong step forward, remember it is not automatic approval — successful applicants must still meet all medical, security, and documentation requirements.

Conclusion

With over 21,000 invitations issued in October 2025, Canada’s immigration landscape continues to show strength and stability.
For international applicants and temporary residents alike, now is an excellent time to position yourself for permanent residency in Canada as the country heads toward another high-intake year in 2026.

According to the Henley Passport Index (October 2025), Canada continues to hold one of the world’s most powerful passports, granting its citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 183 destinations.
This puts Canada in 9th place globally, ahead of the United States, which fell out of the top 10 for the first time in two decades.

Although Canada slipped slightly from 7th earlier this year, experts note that this still reflects strong international partnerships and widespread visa agreements that support Canada’s global mobility.

The Henley Index—based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA)—ranks 199 passports by the number of countries their holders can visit without a prior visa.

U.S. Passport Drops to Its Lowest Ranking in 20 Years

The United States now ranks 12th with visa-free access to 180 destinations, sharing its position with Malaysia.
This marks the lowest point for the U.S. in the 20-year history of the Henley Passport Index.

The decline has been linked to:

• Countries such as Brazil reinstating visa requirements for U.S. travelers.
• The U.S. offering visa-free access to only 46 nations, affecting its “openness” score.
• Rising passport strength in European and Asian countries, reflecting evolving global diplomacy.

Analysts say the U.S. drop highlights a broader shift in soft power and international influence, as global travel freedom becomes more evenly distributed.

Top 10 Most Powerful Passports in the World (October 2025)

Rank	Country	Visa-Free / Visa-on-Arrival Destinations
1	Singapore	193
2	South Korea	190
3	Japan	189
4	Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland	188
5	Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Netherlands	187
6	Greece, Hungary, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Sweden	186
7	Australia, Czech Republic, Malta, Poland	185
8	Croatia, Estonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom	184
9	Canada	183
10	Latvia, Liechtenstein	182

Why These Rankings Matter

For Canadians, the strong ranking confirms that Canadian citizenship remains one of the most globally mobile.
For Americans, it’s a reminder that maintaining reciprocal visa agreements and international diplomacy plays a crucial role in global movement.

Post-pandemic policy shifts and strengthening alliances among European and Asian countries have created a more competitive passport landscape—where smaller, highly connected nations now lead.

Conclusion

While Canada maintains its reputation as a global mobility leader, the U.S. experiences its sharpest drop in two decades.
These results from the Henley Passport Index 2025 underscore how international cooperation, diplomacy, and visa reciprocity directly shape global travel freedom.

Alberta continues to stand out as one of Canada’s most dynamic destinations for skilled immigrants. In early October 2025, the province conducted three provincial immigration draws under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), issuing a total of 1,324 invitations across multiple streams.

These draws emphasize Alberta’s focused efforts to address workforce needs in key industries such as construction, technology, and general skilled trades.

Breakdown of October 2025 AAIP Draws

Date	Stream / Pathway	Minimum CRS Score	Invitations
October 1, 2025	Alberta Opportunity Stream	61	1,003
October 3, 2025	Accelerated Tech Pathway	52	230
October 7, 2025	Priority Sectors – Construction	60	91

The Alberta Opportunity Stream remained the most active, accounting for more than 75% of total invitations. This stream is designed for foreign workers currently employed in Alberta on valid work permits, offering them a smoother route to permanent residency.

Meanwhile, the Accelerated Tech Pathway and Priority Construction Draw reflect Alberta’s continuous demand for skilled talent in digital innovation and infrastructure development.

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Strong Momentum from September 2025 Draws

Before October, Alberta had already issued 1,433 invitations across three draws held between September 12 and 19, 2025:

• Alberta Opportunity Stream – 1,113 invitations (CRS 63)
• Accelerated Tech Pathway – 320 invitations (CRS 55)
• Law Enforcement Pathway – <10 invitations (CRS 56)

By late September, Alberta had utilized 3,983 of its 4,875 federal nomination allocations for 2025, demonstrating its proactive approach to filling critical workforce gaps.

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Key Highlights

1. Alberta Opportunity Stream remains the primary pathway for temporary foreign workers to transition to permanent residency.
2. Low CRS thresholds (52–63) make Alberta one of the most accessible provinces for skilled candidates.
3. Draws continue to align with Alberta’s economic priorities — especially in technology, construction, and law enforcement.
4. The rapid use of nomination quotas underscores the province’s strong demand for talent.
5. Flexible draw scheduling allows Alberta to adapt quickly to shifting labour market needs.

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What This Means for Applicants

Candidates with job offers in Alberta or experience in high-demand sectors — particularly in tech, construction, or essential trades — should closely monitor upcoming AAIP draws.

Maintaining an active Express Entry profile, securing a valid Alberta job offer, and demonstrating Canadian work experience can significantly increase the chances of receiving an invitation.

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Conclusion

The latest series of AAIP draws highlight Alberta’s unwavering commitment to attracting and retaining skilled workers to support its growing economy.

With low CRS cut-offs, targeted pathways, and consistent invitation numbers, Alberta continues to be one of the most promising destinations for those seeking permanent residency in Canada.

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has conducted its latest draw, issuing 862 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) under various Skilled Worker categories. This initiative underscores Manitoba’s ongoing commitment to attracting and retaining skilled professionals to support the province’s economic growth and labor market priorities.

Key Highlights – MPNP Draw #255 (October 9, 2025)

• Total Invitations: 862 LAAs
• Skilled Worker in Manitoba: 583 invitations, primarily for candidates working in healthcare and caregiving sectors
• Skilled Worker Overseas: 279 invitations through Manitoba’s Strategic Recruitment Initiatives
• Express Entry Stream: 203 invitations issued to candidates with active Express Entry profiles and valid job seeker validation codes

Additional Invitations by Category:

• Employer Services: 45
• Francophone Community: 43
• Regional Communities: 8
• Ethnocultural Communities: 3
• Temporary Public Policy (TPP): 180

Emphasis on Healthcare and Caregiving Occupations

This draw particularly highlighted Manitoba’s ongoing focus on healthcare and caregiving roles — including occupations such as Home Support Workers (NOC 44101) and other essential service positions. The province continues to collaborate with employers to fill high-demand roles and ensure long-term workforce stability.

Strategic and Employer-Led Recruitment

The MPNP remains centered on employer-driven and community-based recruitment, aiming to bring in international talent for critical industries where local supply is limited. Manitoba also continues to apply Temporary Public Policy (TPP) measures that enable eligible candidates to secure open work permits, helping them integrate into the workforce more quickly.

Expanded Nomination Capacity for 2025

Manitoba recently gained an additional 1,489 nomination spaces, raising its total for 2025 to 6,239 nominations. This expanded capacity will allow the province to invite more candidates in priority sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and education.

Important Details for Applicants

• Application Deadline: Invited candidates must submit complete applications via the MPNP portal within the specified timeframe.
• Required Documents: Applicants must provide proof of employment, educational credentials, and genuine intent to settle in Manitoba.
• Regulated Occupations: Those applying under licensed professions must present valid authorization to practice in Manitoba.
• Express Entry Benefit: Candidates nominated through Express Entry receive an additional 600 CRS points and benefit from faster federal processing.

Conclusion

This latest draw showcases Manitoba’s proactive immigration approach — prioritizing skilled professionals who can immediately contribute to the province’s economy and communities. With increased nomination capacity and strengthened employer partnerships, Manitoba continues to stand out as one of Canada’s most welcoming destinations for skilled immigrants.

Starting October 10, 2025, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) will expand its Low-Wage Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing freeze. This measure is designed to safeguard job opportunities for Canadians and permanent residents in regions with unemployment rates of 6% or higher.

This update adds six new Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) to the list where low-wage LMIA applications will not be processed, while one CMA has been removed due to improved labour market conditions.

Regional Updates Effective October 10, 2025

Category	Region (CMA)	Province	Change
Added	Halifax	Nova Scotia	Added to freeze list
Added	Barrie	Ontario	Added to freeze list
Added	Kingston	Ontario	Added to freeze list
Added	Peterborough	Ontario	Added to freeze list
Added	Windsor	Ontario	Added to freeze list
Added	Kelowna	British Columbia	Added to freeze list
Removed	Moncton	New Brunswick	Removed due to lower unemployment

Purpose of the Freeze

The Low-Wage LMIA Processing Freeze prevents employers in high-unemployment regions from submitting LMIA applications for low-wage positions. This is part of the federal government’s labour market stabilization strategy, which prioritizes the hiring of Canadian citizens and permanent residents before turning to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The freeze list is reviewed quarterly based on regional unemployment data.

Impact on Employers and Foreign Workers

• Employers in the frozen regions cannot submit new low-wage LMIA applications.
• Applications for high-wage, agriculture, or Global Talent Stream positions are still allowed.
• Foreign workers with pending offers in affected areas may experience delays or cancellations.
• Employers are encouraged to consider alternative pathways, such as:
  • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
  • Express Entry
  • In-Canada recruitment and training incentives

Next Review
The freeze will remain in effect until the next quarterly review in January 2026, when ESDC will reassess unemployment trends and update the eligible CMAs accordingly.

Conclusion
This expansion highlights the government’s data-driven approach to labour policy. Employers in the newly frozen CMAs should review staffing strategies and seek guidance from authorized immigration experts to explore alternative work permit or visa options.

The Australian state of Victoria has officially opened its Skilled Migration Program for the 2025–26 program year, with limited allocations and an efficient nomination process for eligible skilled professionals both inside and outside Australia.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, a skilled worker in tech, healthcare, trades, or business—this could be your gateway to permanent residency in Australia.

What Visa Categories Are Available?

Victoria will nominate candidates under two key skilled migration visas:

Visa Type	Description
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa	A permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by a state government
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa	A 5-year provisional visa leading to PR after 3 years in regional Australia

Initial 2025–26 Allocation

• Subclass 190: 200 places
• Subclass 491: 180 places

These are interim allocations and may increase once the Australian Government finalizes the full state-by-state allocation.

Application Process for Victoria Nomination

1. Submit Your Expression of Interest (EOI)

Use the SkillSelect system to register your profile and select Victoria as your preferred state.

2. Register Your Interest (ROI) with Victoria

After your EOI is submitted, you must register your interest with the Victorian Government through their website.

3. Wait for an Invitation

If your ROI is selected, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for nomination and proceed to apply for your visa.

What If You Already Submitted an ROI in 2024–25?

• If your previous ROI is still valid, it will carry over into the 2025–26 program year.
• No need to re-submit unless your circumstances have changed (e.g., job, location, partner details).

 Who Should Apply?

Victoria is especially looking for candidates in:

• Healthcare – nurses, aged care workers, allied health
• Tech – software developers, cybersecurity, data specialists
• Construction & Engineering
• Education & Childcare
• Trade Occupations

If you have skills and experience in these sectors, your chances are higher.

Why Act Now?

• Low initial allocations = high competition
• The faster you apply, the better your chances
• Delays may reduce eligibility if your age, English score, or work experience changes

How GTR Worldwide Can Support You

Navigating state nominations, SkillSelect EOIs, and ROI systems can be tricky—especially with limited slots. With GTR Worldwide, you get:

• Free profile eligibility check
• Expert advice on improving your CRS & occupation score
• ROI submission with optimized statement
• Full visa application support after nomination
• Priority updates from VIC and other state programs

September 2025 – Global Immigration Update by GTR Worldwide
The U.S. has announced a major policy shift that could reshape global tech mobility. A new $100,000 fee for first-time H-1B visa applications is now in effect, making it significantly harder — and costlier — for international tech professionals to pursue opportunities in America.

As the U.S. door narrows, Canada is opening its arms wider to global talent.

Canada’s Competitive Edge

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that new measures will expand immigration pathways for technology and STEM workers. Programs designed to support global talent mobility include:

• Global Talent Stream – two-week processing for high-demand tech occupations.
• Innovation Stream Work Permits – LMIA exemptions for high-growth employers.
• H-1B Open Work Permit Pathway – a fast-track for professionals already holding U.S. visas.
• Express Entry Tech Draws – targeting candidates with IT, AI, and engineering experience.

These programs give skilled professionals not just career opportunities, but also a direct route to Canadian Permanent Residence and eventually citizenship.

Why This is a Game-Changer

The sharp increase in U.S. H-1B costs is expected to discourage startups, multinational firms, and individuals from pursuing U.S.-based opportunities. Industry analysts say this could trigger a shift of top tech talent toward Canada, which offers affordability, stability, and growth in sectors like AI, fintech, clean tech, and advanced software development.

How GTR Worldwide Supports Global Professionals

At GTR Worldwide, we help individuals and businesses navigate immigration challenges and unlock opportunities across Canada, Europe, the U.S., and Asia.

For tech professionals, we provide:

• Work permit and PR strategies tailored to your skills.
• Employer connections through our recruitment and HR networks.
• Guidance on Express Entry, PNPs, Start-Up Visa, and LMIA pathways.

For businesses, our team offers international mobility solutions to help you recruit, relocate, and retain top talent worldwide.

Final Word

With U.S. policy changes creating barriers, Canada is emerging as the new global hub for skilled professionals. For tech workers looking to build long-term careers and families seeking stability, Canada’s immigration programs offer clarity and opportunity.

🌍 Connect with GTR Worldwide to explore pathways that fit your goals — from tech worker permits to permanent residency and beyond.

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) conducted seven targeted provincial draws in September 2025, issuing a total of 1,376 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in priority occupations.

Focus on High-Demand Sectors

Between September 2 and September 10, 2025, Alberta invited candidates through its Express Entry stream to address pressing labor shortages in key industries, including:

• Healthcare
• Construction
• Agriculture
• Aviation

For instance, the draw held on September 10, 2025 targeted aviation professionals, issuing 30 invitations with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 50. Healthcare talent remained the central focus, with multiple draws throughout the month. CRS cut-offs for healthcare professionals ranged between 44 and 64 points, highlighting Alberta’s urgent need for workers in this sector.

Alberta AAIP – September 2025 Draw Results

Draw date	Stream	Invitations issued	CRS cut-off
September 10, 2025	Alberta Express Entry – Aviation	30	50
September 9, 2025	Alberta Express Entry – Healthcare	70	64
September 8, 2025	Alberta Express Entry – Construction	121	61
September 5, 2025	Alberta Express Entry – Agriculture	71	48
September 4, 2025	Alberta Opportunity Stream	891	56
September 3, 2025	Health Care Pathway (non-Express Entry)	67	44
September 2, 2025	Health Care Pathway (Express Entry)	126	49

CRS Scores and Program Priorities

The AAIP continues to prioritize candidates with Alberta job offers, in-demand work experience, or strong ties to the province. Compared to federal Express Entry draws, Alberta’s CRS requirements remain relatively low, creating additional opportunities for qualified workers and international graduates.

Nomination Quota Update 2025

As of September, Alberta has issued 3,749 nominations under its annual allocation of 4,875 from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This leaves 1,126 nominations still available for the remainder of 2025.

Why Choose Alberta?

Alberta’s growing economy and strong demand for skilled labor make it a leading destination for newcomers to Canada. With ongoing recruitment in healthcare, construction, and agriculture, the province is strategically aligning immigration with labor market needs—helping newcomers integrate quickly and contribute to its workforce.

In September alone, over 1,300 skilled workers received invitations to apply for permanent residency through AAIP. Moving forward, candidates with relevant experience and ties to Alberta are encouraged to maintain an active Express Entry profile and stay updated on future AAIP draws.

On August 29, 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador held its latest immigration draw, inviting 202 skilled candidates to apply for permanent residency. Invitations were issued under both the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), reinforcing the province’s strategy to support long-term labor force and population growth.

Invitation Breakdown

• NLPNP (Provincial Nominee Program): 125 ITAs
• AIP (Atlantic Immigration Program): 77 ITAs

This was the province’s eighth Expression of Interest (EOI) draw since the launch of its new immigration selection system in early 2025.

Comparison With Recent Draws

Draw Date	NLPNP ITAs	AIP ITAs	Total ITAs
July 29, 2025	100	50	150
August 13, 2025	180	51	231
August 29, 2025	125	77	202

Year-to-Date Invitations (as of August 29, 2025)

• NLPNP: 1,800 ITAs
• AIP: 451 ITAs
• Total: 2,251 ITAs

These numbers show the province is on track to meet its 2025 immigration targets of 2,050 PNP spots and 475 AIP spots.

Focus on Provincial Priorities

Newfoundland and Labrador continues to prioritize candidates in key sectors, including:

• Healthcare
• Technology
• Skilled Trades
• Resource Industries

Through its EOI system and the Immigration Accelerator platform, the province is streamlining recruitment to attract highly skilled professionals who can contribute to economic growth and community development.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another Express Entry draw, inviting 4,500 candidates with strong French language skills to apply for permanent residence.

September 2025 French-Proficiency Draw

This category-based draw required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 446. To qualify, candidates needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before 7:21 a.m. UTC on June 16, 2025.

This result reflects Canada’s ongoing commitment to welcoming French-speaking immigrants to strengthen bilingual communities and address labor market needs.

Express Entry Draws in 2025 – Overview

Throughout 2025, IRCC has held a variety of draws under different categories, including the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and targeted draws for healthcare, social services, education, and French proficiency.

Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2025

Date	Draw Type	ITAs Issued	CRS Cut-off
Sept. 3	Canadian Experience Class	1,000	534
Sept. 2	Provincial Nominee Program	249	772
Aug. 19	Healthcare & Social Services	2,500	470
Aug. 18	Provincial Nominee Program	192	800
Aug. 8	French Language Proficiency	2,500	481
Aug. 7	Canadian Experience Class	1,000	534
Aug. 6	Provincial Nominee Program	225	739
July 22	Healthcare & Social Services	4,000	475
July 21	Provincial Nominee Program	202	788
July 8	Canadian Experience Class	3,000	518
July 7	Provincial Nominee Program	356	750
June 26	Canadian Experience Class	3,000	521
June 23	Provincial Nominee Program	503	742
June 12	Canadian Experience Class	3,000	529
June 10	Provincial Nominee Program	125	784
June 4	Healthcare & Social Services	500	504
June 2	Provincial Nominee Program	277	726
May 13	Canadian Experience Class	500	547
May 12	Provincial Nominee Program	511	706
May 2	Healthcare & Social Services	500	510
May 1	Education	1,000	479
April 28	Provincial Nominee Program	421	727
April 14	Provincial Nominee Program	825	764
Mar. 21	French Language Proficiency	7,500	379
Mar. 17	Provincial Nominee Program	536	736
Mar. 6	French Language Proficiency	4,500	410
Mar. 3	Provincial Nominee Program	725	667
Feb. 19	French Language Proficiency	6,500	428
Feb. 17	Provincial Nominee Program	646	750
Feb. 5	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	521
Feb. 4	Provincial Nominee Program	455	802
Jan. 23	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	527
Jan. 8	Canadian Experience Class	1,350	542
Jan. 7	Provincial Nominee Program	471	793

Express Entry Trends in 2025

• Total ITAs issued to date: 62,109
• Most frequent draw type: Provincial Nominee Program (16 draws)
• Other categories:
  • Canadian Experience Class – 9 draws
  • French language proficiency – 5 draws
  • Healthcare & social services – 4 draws
  • Education – 1 draw

IRCC’s 2025 strategy shows a strong focus on PNP and category-based draws, with continued opportunities for French-speaking candidates and those with Canadian work experience.

What This Means for Applicants

French-speaking candidates continue to enjoy comparatively lower CRS cut-offs, making this an attractive immigration pathway in 2025. Applicants are encouraged to maintain up-to-date Express Entry profiles and closely follow IRCC’s evolving draw schedule to enhance their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).