In the latest PNP-specific Express Entry draw, the IRCC issued 648 ITAs. To qualify, candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 791. This Provincial Nominee Program-focused draw highlights the IRCC’s commitment to selecting skilled immigrants through the Express Entry system.
The second PNP-only draw of October took place today. The previous draw, held on October 7, saw 1,613 candidates invited, each needing a minimum CRS score of 743.
In recent months, the IRCC has been holding Express Entry draws consistently every two weeks, often including at least one draw focused on the PNP. Since May 30, PNP-specific draws have resulted in 12,815 ITAs being issued, including today’s draw.
This aligns with the IRCC’s ongoing efforts to expand domestic draws targeting Express Entry candidates who are already working and living in Canada as temporary residents. The goal is to achieve the annual permanent residency targets set out in the Immigration Levels Plan while reducing the number of temporary residents.
By November 1, the new Immigration Levels Plan, with targets for 2025–2027, is expected to be announced. Although the 2024 plan aimed to welcome 110,770 new permanent residents, it remains unclear if the IRCC has met this objective.
Candidates who receive an ITA in the latter half of 2025 have a better chance of being accepted that year, as the IRCC typically processes Express Entry applications within an average of six months.
Understanding the Express Entry system
Express Entry is Canada’s primary system for managing three major economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). These programs aim to address key labor shortages and strengthen Canada’s economy, using the CRS to identify the most suitable candidates.
The CRS assigns points based on factors such as age, occupation, education, language skills, and work experience to calculate each candidate’s final score.
CRS scores are typically higher in PNP draws because candidates nominated by a province receive an additional 600 points.
Additional points can also be earned by having family in Canada or immigrating with a spouse or partner.
In future Express Entry draws candidates with the highest CRS scores will have the best chance of receiving an ITA.
Overview of 2024 Express Entry draw outcomes
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
| October 21 | Provincial Nominee Program | 648 | 791 |
| October 10 | French language proficiency | 1,000 | 444 |
| October 9 | Canadian Experience Class | 500 | 539 |
| October 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,613 | 743 |
| September 19 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 509 |
| September 13 | French language proficiency | 1,000 | 446 |
| September 9 | Provincial Nominee Program | 911 | 732 |
| August 27 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,300 | 507 |
| August 26 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,121 | 694 |
| August 15 | French language proficiency | 2,000 | 394 |
| August 14 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,200 | 509 |
| August 13 | Provincial Nominee Program | 763 | 690 |
| July 31 | Canadian Experience Class | 5,000 | 510 |
| July 30 | Provincial Nominee Program | 964 | 686 |
| July 18 | French language proficiency | 1,800 | 400 |
| July 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 6,300 | 515 |
| July 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,391 | 670 |
| July 8 | French proficiency | 3,200 | 420 |
| July 5 | Healthcare occupations | 3,750 | 445 |
| July 4 | Trade occupations | 1,800 | 436 |
| July 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 920 | 739 |
| June 19 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,499 | 663 |
| May 31 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 522 |
| May 30 | Provincial Nominee Program | 2,985 | 676 |
| April 24 | French proficiency | 1,400 | 410 |
| April 23 | General | 2,095 | 529 |
| April 11 | STEM occupations | 4,500 | 491 |
| April 10 | General | 1,280 | 549 |
| March 26 | French language proficiency | 1,500 | 388 |
| March 25 | General | 1,980 | 524 |
| March 13 | Transport occupations | 975 | 430 |
| March 12 | General | 2,850 | 525 |
| February 29 | French language proficiency | 2,500 | 336 |
| February 28 | General | 1,470 | 534 |
| February 16 | Agriculture and agri-food occupations | 150 | 437 |
| February 14 | Healthcare occupations | 3,500 | 422 |
| February 13 | General | 1,490 | 535 |
| February 1 | French language proficiency | 7,000 | 365 |
| January 31 | General | 730 | 541 |
| January 23 | General | 1,040 | 543 |
| January 10 | General | 1,510 | 546 |
