In the latest Express Entry draw this week, IRCC has extended invitations to candidates. A total of 975 applicants were invited in the first transport occupation draw of 2024. Candidates needed to meet a minimum CRS score of 430.
IRCC’s update on invitations
In a general draw, the IRCC invited 2,850 individuals to apply through ITAs on March 12 for each of the three Express Entry administered programs. The major eligibility requirement for the draw was the CRS. As well as the minimum CRS score required for candidates was 525, which is the lowest minimum CRS requirement for a general draw this year and a decrease of nine points from the previous general draw on February 28.
Moreover, six draws were held in February, inviting a total of 16,110 individuals to apply using the Express Entry system. The month began and ended with selection draws that were category-specific and targeted to French-speaking individuals. On February 1, 7,000 applicants who received a minimum CRS score of 365 were invited to participate in the first of these draws. Similar to the previous draw, which had the lowest CRS requirement of the year, another category-based draw was held on February 29, the last day of the month, to which 2,500 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 336 were invited.
Two more category-specific selections were included in the final four draws. A draw for healthcare jobs was held on February 14 and 3,500 candidates who met the required minimum CRS score of 422 were invited. After that, on February 16, 150 applicants were called to a draw focused on jobs in agriculture and agri-food, with a minimum CRS score of 437.
Furthermore, the IRCC held two general Express Entry draws at the end of the month. With a minimum CRS score of 535, the department invited 1,490 candidates on February 13. Following that, on February 28, 1,470 individuals who met the minimal CRS score of 534 were invited.
Summary of the Express Entry Draw
- March 13: Transport Occupation, 975 ITAs issued, Minimum CRS of 430
March 12: General draw, 2,850 ITAs issued, Minimum CRS of 525. - February 29: Draw for French language proficiency, 2,500 ITAs issued, Minimum CRS of 336.
- February 28: General draw, 1,470 ITAs issued, Minimum CRS of 534.
- February 16: Draw for Agriculture and agri-food occupations, 150 ITAs issued, Minimum CRS of 437.
- February 14: Draw for Healthcare occupations, 3,500 ITAs issued, Minimum CRS of 422.
- February 13: General draw, 1,490 ITAs issued, Minimum CRS of 535.
- February 1: Draw for French language proficiency, 7,000 ITAs issued, Minimum CRS of 365.
- January 31: General draw, 730 ITAs issued, Minimum CRS of 541.
- January 23: General draw, 1,040 ITAs issued, Minimum CRS of 543.
- January 10: General draw, 1,510 ITAs issued, Minimum CRS of 546.
Understanding Category-Based Selection in Immigration Processes
Category-based selection draws target Express Entry candidates with particular in-demand characteristics, as opposed to general draws which evaluate candidates across all Express Entry administered programs purely on the basis of their CRS score.
In order to alleviate labor shortages in critical sectors of Canada’s workforce, this draw mechanism was adopted in May 2023. Also, candidates for Express Entry who meet the requirements may be ITA under one of six categories based on their qualifications and skill set.
- Trades occupations, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- Healthcare occupations
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- Strong French proficiency
- Transport occupations
For applicants who are already in the Express Entry application pool, these draws may offer an advantage. Comparing category-based draws to general draws this year, the average CRS score has been significantly lower.
For example, of the four category-based selection draws, 437 was the highest minimal CRS score and 336 was the lowest.
Conversely, in all general draws held so far in 2024, a minimum CRS score of 534 has not been recorded.
Understanding Express Entry – Canada’s Immigration System
Using a points-based system to handle applications, the Express Entry system provides a simplified application procedure for anyone looking to immigrate to Canada. Also, it mostly serves skilled workers who want to obtain status as Permanent Residents of Canada. Furthermore, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program are the three main programs that fall under the purview of this system.
Candidates submit their profiles, and the CRS is used to evaluate them. It assigns ratings based on a variety of human capital criteria. These include, but are not limited to, age, educational background, qualifications, employment experience, language ability, and possible family links in Canada.
Additionally, these standards establish each applicant’s eligibility and affect their standing in the Express Entry pool. Moreover, higher-ranking candidates have a greater possibility of being ITA for permanent residence in Canada. Candidates have a brief window of 60 days after obtaining an ITA to file their applications for permanent residency with the immigration authorities.
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