Express Entry: IRCC Invites 1,499 Candidates in Latest Draw

Canada continues to welcome skilled immigrants through its Express Entry system. In the most recent draw, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to 1,499 candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

To receive an ITA in this draw, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 663. This draw is part of a series of program-specific draws that began in late May 2023, when IRCC introduced category-based selection draws.

Recent Express Entry Draws

The latest PNP-only draw follows two program-specific draws on May 30 and May 31. On May 30, IRCC issued ITAs to candidates with provincial nominations, while the May 31 draw focused on candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Together, these draws invited 5,985 candidates to apply for permanent residency.

The CEC draw on May 31 was particularly notable as it was the first of its kind since September 2021. The focus on CEC candidates aligns with Canada's goal to transition more temporary residents to permanent residents, reflecting a broader strategy to reduce the number of temporary residents in the country.

Summary of Express Entry Draw Results in 2024

Here’s a summary of the Express Entry draw results so far in 2024:

Understanding Express Entry

Express Entry is Canada's application management system for 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 use the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to assess candidates based on factors like age, work experience, language ability, and education. Candidates with the highest CRS scores receive ITAs in regular draws.

Once an ITA is received, candidates have 60 days to submit their final application for permanent residence to IRCC.

What is Category-Based Selection?

Introduced in May 2023, category-based selection allows IRCC to target Express Entry candidates who possess attributes that will positively impact Canada's labor market and economy. The six categories are:

• Healthcare occupations
• Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
• Trades occupations (e.g., carpenters, plumbers, contractors)
• Transport occupations
• Agriculture and agri-food occupations
• French language proficiency

According to recent data, the highest number of category-based selection draws this year will focus on candidates proficient in French (30%). Draws for healthcare and STEM occupations will account for 15% and 25% respectively, with the remaining categories making up 5% or less.