In the second Express Entry draw of the week, IRCC has extended invitations to candidates to pursue permanent residence. This draw, centered on category-based selection, granted 2,500 ITAs specifically targeting individuals demonstrating robust French language skills. Candidates were mandated to meet a minimum CRS score of 336.
Today’s draw is another significant step after the general draw on February 28, when 1,410 individuals with a minimum CRS of 534 were asked to apply. All three of the Express Entry managed programs’ candidates are taken into consideration for general drawings. Furthermore, this week’s results cap up a busy February in which 13,610 candidates obtained ITAs over five drawings, not counting today’s draw. Of these, three were category-based selection criteria that targeted individuals in the fields of agriculture/agri-food, healthcare, and proficient French. The remaining two were general draws.
Summary of the results from Express Entry draws in 2024
- February 28: 1,470 ITAs were granted in a general Express Entry draw, requiring a minimum CRS score of 534.
- February 16: A draw tailored to agriculture and agri-food occupations issued 150 ITAs, with a minimum CRS of 437.
- February 14: 3,500 ITAs were granted in a draw focusing on healthcare occupations, with a minimum CRS of 422.
- February 13: Another general draw on this date yielded 1,490 ITAs, requiring a minimum CRS score of 535.
- February 1: A draw emphasizing French language proficiency granted 7,000 ITAs, with a minimum CRS of 365.
- January 31: 730 ITAs were issued in a general draw, with a minimum CRS score of 541.
- January 23: 1,040 ITAs were granted in a general draw on this date, with a minimum CRS of 543.
- January 10: Another general draw resulted in 1,510 ITAs, requiring a minimum CRS score of 546.
Category-based selection won’t change in 2024, according to the IRCC
The department began sending invites in May 2023 to candidates who could prove they qualified for one of the six recently established Express Entry draw categories. These rounds of selection were based on categories.
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- Strong French proficiency
- Healthcare occupations
- Transport occupations
- Trades occupations, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
Following the announcement, the agency promised to examine and adjust the designated categories as needed. The IRCC confirmed on February 13 that there will be no modifications to these categories in 2024. Consultations with various stakeholders, such as Canadian enterprises, employers, settlement services, and provincial and territory governments, led to the selection of these categories. For consideration, candidates with these qualities must be included in the application pool of one of the three programs overseen by Express Entry.
About Express Entry
Overseeing and managing immigration applications, the Express Entry system guarantees quick and easy processing for its three federal programs: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Moreover, this approach assesses and ranks candidates according to a range of human capital characteristics, including education, job experience, age, occupation, and language competence, using the CRS. Also, a candidate’s probability of receiving an ITA for permanent residence in Canada increases with higher scores, which are indicative of these attributes.
In addition, the CRS score of those who get a province nomination under the Provincial Nominee Program is raised by 600 points. This greatly increases their likelihood of getting an ITA in later drawings.
Candidates get an extra 60 days from the date they receive an invitation to finish and send in their final application to IRCC.
Anticipating the Number of ITAs through Express Entry for the Current Year
According to the IRCC’s Immigration Levels Plan, 110,770 new PRs will be admitted through Express Entry in 2024, a significant increase over the 82,880 PRs that were intended to be admitted the year before. Forecasts for 2025 and 2026 show that the number will stabilize at 117,500.
Furthermore, the allotment for new permanent residents under the PNP is expected to rise to 120,000 starting in 2025. With this change, provincial gateways will now serve as Canada’s main entrance point for new economic immigrants.
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