IRCC conducted first category-based selection Express Entry draw and extended invitations to a greater number of candidates. On August 3rd, the department specifically invited 1,500 candidates who fall within the trades category. It marks the inaugural targeted selection of its kind within the Express Entry system. Eligibility was determined by a minimum score of 388.
The first focused selection for people with trades expertise under the category-based approach of the Express Entry system was announced by IRCC on August 1st. Moreover, to support Canada’s construction industry by drawing in a wider pool of skilled employees, this particular category includes trades like carpentry, plumbing, and welding.
Canada targets French speakers in August 2 Express Entry draw – Overview and results
August 2nd
Canada targets French speakers in the latest round of the Express Entry draw, which was conducted on August 2. The department extended invitations to 800 individuals within this targeted category. The minimum CRS score set was 435.
August 1st
Express Entry draws resumed on August 1st, extending invites to 2,000 applicants via an all-program draw. For this round, a CRS score of 517 was the cutoff.
The first full-program Express Entry draw since July 11th was announced on this day.
July 11-12
3,800 people received invitations to apply for permanent residency through an IRCC category-based selection draw that was specifically for candidates who spoke French. The required minimum CRS score was 375, making it by far the lowest score for any Express Entry draw this year. 800 candidates were invited to participate in an all-program draw on July 11 with a minimum CRS score requirement of 505.
July 4-7
A significant first in Express Entry history occurred during the first week of July when ITAs were granted back-to-back over a period of four days.
Unexpectedly, the July 4 draw adopted an all-program strategy and invited 700 applicants. These applicants achieved the highest CRS score of 511 out of all the all-program draws in 2023 so far.
On July 5, the Immigration and Refugee Commission (IRCC) conducted a pre-announced category-based selection draw with a focus on individuals with experience in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) occupations. Following the May 31 announcement of the categories for the category-based selection draw. This was the first drawing for STEM candidates. 500 candidates in total were invited, and each one needed a CRS score of at least 486.
A category-based selection draw with a focus on healthcare professionals saw IRCC invite 1,500 applicants with a minimum CRS score of 463 in the draw on July 6. This was the second time this category had received invites.
Then, on July 7, 2,300 invites were sent to Express Entry applicants who demonstrated strong French language proficiency and required a minimum CRS score of 439. Notably, fluency in French is the only category-based selection factor that cuts across job categories.
June 27-28
The IRCC held two draws during the last week of June. Through an all-program approach, 4,300 candidates were invited to the initial draw, which was held on June 27. The required CRS score was 486.
Furthermore, on the next day, IRCC created history by launching the first round of invitations based on category. In this case, a minimum CRS score of 476 was required for each of the 500 candidates with work experience in particular healthcare occupations who were asked to apply.
About Express Entry
The management of the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program is streamlined through Express Entry, serving as an application management system. Candidates within the Express Entry pool undergo a comprehensive evaluation that considers key human capital factors. It includes employment history, occupation, language proficiency, education achievements, and age. Each candidate is assigned a CRS score, determining their ranking within the pool. Significantly, those with higher CRS scores have an increased likelihood of receiving sought-after invitations to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
Effective May 31, IRCC introduced novel category-based selection criteria, emphasizing a broader range of attributes beyond just a high CRS score. Moreover, this change introduces six innovative categories for Express Entry candidates:
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Healthcare
- Strong French-language proficiency
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Transport
Moreover, the selected sectors aim to address Canada’s significant labor shortages and encourage the utilization of French beyond Quebec’s borders.
