IRCC has conducted its second Express Entry draw of the week, issuing ITAs specifically for French language proficiency. In this category-based selection draw, IRCC issued 1,500 ITAs to eligible candidates who met the criteria. To qualify, candidates needed to achieve a minimum CRS score of 388.
All candidates from all Express Entry programs were eligible to participate in yesterday’s draw, regardless of whether they qualify for category-based selection. A minimum CRS score of 524 was required for each of the 1,980 candidates that were invited. Compared to the previous general draw on March 12, when 2,850 individuals with a minimum CRS of 525 received ITAs, this represented a minor decline of one point. Furthermore, on March 13 of this month, there was another draw that was specifically for applicants in the transportation industry. IRCC invited 945 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 430 to that draw.
A recap of the Express Entry draw outcomes in 2024
Here’s a summary of the results from the Express Entry draws that took place in 2024.
- On March 25, a general draw issued 1,980 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) with a minimum CRS score of 524.
- March 13 saw a draw specific to transport occupations, granting 975 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 430.
- March 12’s general draw resulted in 2,850 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 525.
- On February 29, a draw focused on French language proficiency issued 2,500 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 336.
- February 28’s general draw granted 1,470 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 534.
- February 16’s draw targeting agriculture and agri-food occupations issued 150 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 437.
- February 14’s draw for healthcare occupations resulted in 3,500 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 422.
- February 13’s general draw issued 1,490 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 535.
- February 1’s draw emphasizing French language proficiency granted 7,000 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 365.
- January 31’s general draw issued 730 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 541.
- January 23’s general draw resulted in 1,040 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 543.
- January 10’s general draw granted 1,510 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 546.
Understanding Category-Based Selection in Immigration Systems
Category-based selection” is a method in immigration systems where visas or licenses are distributed based on specific criteria such as job titles, education, or language skills. It aims to manage immigration by targeting individuals with qualities or talents in demand by the receiving country. This approach ensures a fair process while aligning with the nation’s economic and social needs.
In order to efficiently issue ITAs, the IRCC introduced category-based selection draws within the Express Entry system in May 2023. This was done in an effort to find candidates with highly desirable abilities and attributes. This revised strategy established six new categories that will stay in effect until 2024: jobs in healthcare, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, trades (including plumbers, carpenters, and contractors), transportation, jobs in agriculture and agri-food, and fluency in French. These categories function as focused criteria to expedite the hiring process and correspond with the changing demands of the labor market in Canada.
The categories are in line with the IRCC’s goal of supporting French language promotion outside of Quebec and reflect Canada’s acute labor shortages. French-speaking candidates have received the most ITAs since the program’s start, highlighting the importance of language competency in the hiring process.
Understanding Express Entry
Express Entry consolidates the management of the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Utilizing the CRS, candidates from all programs undergo ranking. The CRS assesses candidates based on diverse human capital factors, including age, work experience, education, occupation, and language proficiency. Those with the highest cumulative scores have the greatest chance of receiving an ITA for permanent resident status from IRCC. Candidates can typically expect a final decision from IRCC within six months of submitting their final application, in accordance with the department’s published service standard.
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