IRCC extended invitations to qualified candidates for its second Express Entry draw of the week. 4,500 ITAs STEM professionals invited to the latest Canadian immigration draw with a minimum CRs score of 491. The emphasis on applicants in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields sets this draw apart. The objective of this category-based selection draw is to pull in people with knowledge and abilities in these crucial areas, which are essential to Canada’s innovation and economic progress. ITA recipients in this draw will be eligible to seek for permanent residence in Canada, giving them a means of settling down and contributing to the country’s vibrant workforce.
This marks the first draw for candidates in STEM fields this year, following a general draw held on April 10th. In this recent draw, the IRCC invited 1,280 candidates who met a minimum CRS score of 549, the highest minimum score for any draw in 2024.
The initial general draw of the year, conducted on January 10th, required candidates to have a CRS score of at least 546 to be eligible. Subsequent general draws saw gradually decreasing CRS score requirements. The most recent general draw on March 25th invited 1,980 candidates with a CRS score of 524.
General draws encompass candidates from all three Express Entry-managed programs: the FSWP the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Unlike draws targeting specific occupation categories, general draws primarily consider a candidate’s CRS score as the main factor determining their likelihood of receiving an ITAs.
An overview of 2024’s Express Entry draw outcomes
- March 26: French language proficiency draw, issuing 1,500 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 388.
- March 25: General draw, inviting 1,980 candidates with a minimum CRS of 524.
- March 13: Transport occupations draw, extending 975 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 430.
- March 12: General draw, granting 2,850 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 525.
- February 29: French language proficiency draw, offering 2,500 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 336.
- February 28: General draw, inviting 1,470 candidates with a minimum CRS of 534.
- February 16: Agriculture and agri-food occupations draw, issuing 150 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 437.
- February 14: Healthcare occupations draw, extending 3,500 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 422.
- February 13: General draw, granting 1,490 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 535.
- February 1: French language proficiency draw, inviting 7,000 candidates with a minimum CRS of 365.
- January 31: General draw, issuing 730 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 541.
- January 23: General draw, extending 1,040 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 543.
- January 10: General draw, granting 1,510 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 546.
Understanding Category-Based Selection in Immigration Processes
In immigration procedures, a technique known as “category-based selection” is applied, in which applicants are chosen according to predetermined classifications or standards established by immigration officials. Moreover, these categories can consist of job kinds, educational attainment, linguistic skills, or other elements judged crucial for the economic or social development objectives of the recipient nation.
The IRCC made a strategic change in May 2023 when it implemented category-based selection, which allowed it to more effectively target Express Entry applicants with important human capital traits or in-demand talents. In 2023, the department introduced six unique classifications that have persisted into 2024. These include employment in healthcare, STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), trades (carpentry, plumbing, and contracting), transportation, agriculture, and agri-food, as well as occupations requiring a proven command of French. Candidates must already have an active Express Entry application in order to be considered for these categories.
Express Entry – Canada’s Immigration System for Skilled Workers
Canada’s primary economic immigration programs are the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). These programs utilize the Express Entry system to manage applications. Candidates undergo assessments based on various factors such as age, education, occupation, work history, and language proficiency.
To calculate a CRS score, one sums up scores from each factor. Applicants with higher CRS scores have better chances of receiving invitations to apply for permanent residency. Express Entry offers the advantage of faster processing times, with the IRCC aiming for a six-month service standard for 80% of applications, though more complex cases may take longer to process.
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