IRCC has issued 3,000 ITAs in the latest Express Entry draw. This program-specific draw targeted candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Applicants needed a minimum CRS score of 522 to qualify for an invitation.
The second draw of the week is happening today, and it comes after a program-specific lottery for Express Entry candidates nominated by the PNP on May 30. In addition to having the lowest CRS score of the year for a non-category-based selection draw, it is the first draw exclusively for CEC candidates since September 14, 2021.
Additionally, since category-based selection was implemented in May 2023, this week’s draws mark the first program-specific draws. Both PNP and CEC candidates have a large number of temporary residents living and working in Canada. The IRCC’s recently declared intention to conduct more “domestic draws” in order to assist more temporary residents in becoming permanent residents and reduce the total number of temporary residents in Canada is reflected in these draws.
IRCC Resumes Program-Specific Express Entry Draws After Month-Long Pause
Unlike general draws, which invite applications from all programs, program-specific draws concentrate only on candidates in the Express Entry pool who have applied through a specific permanent residency program.
After a month-long break, the Express Entry draw on May 30 was the first since April 24. The IRCC has not given an explanation for this break. All of this year’s draws, however, will follow a prearranged schedule that hasn’t been made public, according to a recent access to information request. The admissions targets for 2024 and 2025 will determine the size and frequency of the draws; processing capacity may also have an impact on the frequency.
In April, there were four draws before the break. 1,280 individuals were invited to a general draw on April 10th, which was the first draw of the month. In a category-based selection draw for STEM vocations the next day, 4,500 ITAs were given to Express Entry applicants.
The 23rd and 24th of April saw the last two draws. A general draw of 2,095 candidates was held by IRCC on April 23, and a selective draw based on French proficiency categories was held on April 24 and welcomed 1,400 candidates.
French fluency is anticipated to be the main emphasis of category-based selection draws in 2024, according to a recent Access to Information Request. The IRCC ascribes this to the high employment rates of candidates who speak two languages. Additionally, the agency pointed out that candidates who are proficient in French typically receive better CRS ratings, which improves their chances of achieving effective economic integration.
With 25% of all ITAs awarded in 2024, STEM vocations will receive the second-highest number. 15% of all ITAs will go to jobs in the healthcare industry, while 5% or fewer will go to industries such as trade, transportation, and agriculture and agri-food.
General draws are planned to be used to distribute the remaining 21.5% of ITAs. It’s interesting that program-specific draws were not mentioned in the information.
2024 Express Entry Draw Results Overview
- On May 30, 2,985 ITAs were issued under the Provincial Nominee Program, with a minimum CRS score of 676.
- April 24 saw 1,400 ITAs granted for French proficiency, requiring a minimum CRS of 410.
- April 23’s General draw distributed 2,095 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 529.
- The April 11 draw focused on STEM occupations, issuing 4,500 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 491.
- April 10’s General draw provided 1,280 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 549.
- On March 26, 1,500 ITAs were granted for French language proficiency, needing a minimum CRS of 388.
- March 25’s General draw allocated 1,980 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 524.
- A draw on March 13 targeted Transport occupations, issuing 975 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 430.
- March 12’s General draw distributed 2,850 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 525.
- February 29 witnessed 2,500 ITAs for French language proficiency, requiring a minimum CRS of 336.
- February 28’s General draw provided 1,470 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 534.
- A draw on February 16 focused on Agriculture and agri-food occupations, granting 150 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 437.
- February 14 saw 3,500 ITAs issued for Healthcare occupations, with a minimum CRS of 422.
- February 13’s General draw distributed 1,490 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 535.
- February 1 witnessed 7,000 ITAs for French language proficiency, needing a minimum CRS of 365.
- January 31’s General draw provided 730 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 541.
- January 23’s General draw allocated 1,040 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 543.
- January 10’s General draw distributed 1,510 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 546.
Understanding Express Entry – The Key to Immigrating to Canada
The Federal Skilled Worker Program, the CEC, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) are Canada’s three main economic immigration streams. Express Entry serves as its administrative foundation. While these programs have different qualifying requirements, they are all based on the same assessment model, the CRS.
Applications are evaluated under the CRS on a range of variables that represent their human capital, including as age, education level, job history, employment, language ability, and whether or not they are coming to the country with a spouse or partner. A total CRS score is obtained by allocating point values to each of these factors. An increased score increases your chances of being ITA for the next Express Entry draw.
Moreover, category-based selection draws were implemented in May 2023 by IRCC as part of the Express Entry system. Moreover, this selects applicants for target positions based on specialized knowledge or language skills from six predetermined categories:
- Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations
- Healthcare Occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Professions
- Transport Occupations
- Trades Occupations, encompassing roles like carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Demonstrated Strong French Proficiency
These categories are scheduled to continue in effect through 2024, however they may be revised in 2025. Also, those who wish to enter the country through these particular channels must be actively participating in the Express Entry pool and meet any extra requirements unique to their selected immigration category.
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