The Canadian immigration Minister Sean Fraser stated in his most recent interview that his department is intending to resume draws of the Express Entry applications for professionals starting this Spring. The statement came within a virtual interview with Apply Board on challenges that face international students where he added that one of the minister`s mandates is to create pathways to permanent residency for worldwide students and professionals staying temporary in Canada. It was at the end of the interview, that the minister answered questions posted in the chat on when Express Entry for international professionals might resume. The Federal High Skilled category includes candidates who apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), as well as the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). The system is based on a comprehensive ranking system that takes into consideration factors of candidates including: age, education, work experience, ties with Canada, language proficiency among others. On irregular basis the immigration department draws the files of candidates whose marks have reached a certain bench mark which varies in each draw. The system was paused for applicants without a Canadian job offer since December 2020 because of the COVID travel restrictions that forced Canada to close its borders to international travel, with some exemptions. Fraser also acknowledged the critical situation of those who are working in Canada under a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and whose permit may expire soon. These people need an invitation to apply for immigration so that they would be eligible for a bridging work permit. on the other hand, IRCC has reported there are 1.84 million people waiting on decisions in a backlog as of mid-March.