IRCC Issues 4,000 Invitations to Apply in Latest Express Entry Draw for Canadian Experience Class Candidates

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently held an Express Entry draw, issuing 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). To qualify, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 509.

Highlights of the Latest Express Entry Draw

This draw is the third one conducted in September and follows two other draws from last week, where IRCC issued 911 ITAs through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and 1,000 ITAs in a special draw for French-language proficiency.

This recent draw marks the largest CEC-only draw since July 31, when 5,000 ITAs were issued. The CRS cut-off score of 509 represents a slight increase compared to the previous CEC draw on August 27, where the cut-off was 507.

Recent Express Entry Draws Overview (2024)

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is Canada’s online system for managing applications for three key economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. The system uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to score candidates based on factors such as language skills, education, work experience, age, and occupation. Points can also be awarded for having a sibling in Canada, immigrating with a spouse or partner, or having high language proficiency in both English and French.

Category-Based Selection Draws

In 2023, IRCC introduced category-based selection draws targeting candidates with specific attributes, such as work experience in high-demand fields or proficiency in French. Categories include:

• Healthcare
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professions
• Trades
• Transport
• Agriculture and agri-food
• French language proficiency
  
  

These categories were selected to address Canada’s workforce needs and demographic targets, including supporting French-speaking communities outside Quebec.

Next Steps After Receiving an ITA

Candidates who receive an ITA have 60 days to submit their final application to IRCC. The processing time for a completed application is typically six months.

Express Entry continues to be a key pathway for skilled workers to achieve permanent residency in Canada, offering opportunities to contribute to the country’s economy and diverse communities.