IRCC Issues 1,000 ITAs in Third Express Entry Draw This Week

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its third Express Entry draw of the week, issuing 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with French-speaking proficiency. To receive an invitation in this draw, candidates needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 444.

This Week’s Express Entry Draws Overview

The recent French language proficiency draw is part of a busy week for IRCC, which held three draws:

1. October 7, 2024 – Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• ITAs Issued: 1,613
• Minimum CRS: 743
2. October 9, 2024 – Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• ITAs Issued: 500
• Minimum CRS: 539
3. October 10, 2024 – French Language Proficiency Category
• ITAs Issued: 1,000
• Minimum CRS: 444
  
  

Key Trends and Observations

In recent months, IRCC has increased the frequency of Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws. This shift aligns with the department’s goal to prioritize “domestic” candidates and reduce the number of temporary residents. IRCC has issued 21,800 ITAs to CEC candidates since July 2024, helping meet the department’s permanent resident targets for the year.

Meanwhile, category-based draws have become more focused. Aside from draws for French-speaking candidates, IRCC has not conducted category-based draws for other occupations since July 5, 2024, when it issued invitations to candidates in healthcare occupations.

Express Entry: A Quick Overview

The Express Entry system, introduced in 2015, manages applications for three immigration programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Candidates in the Express Entry pool receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which reflects factors such as:

• Age
• Work experience
• Education
• Language ability
• Canadian work or education experience
  
  

Candidates with higher CRS scores are more likely to receive an ITA, especially in general draws. However, category-based draws tend to have lower CRS cut-offs, focusing on specific labor market needs.

What Are Category-Based Draws?

IRCC introduced category-based selection draws in May 2023 to address specific workforce needs. These categories include:

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

The goal of these draws is to fill labor gaps and support immigration to French-speaking communities outside Quebec. Although category-based draws typically have lower CRS cut-off scores compared to general draws, candidates must still maintain a strong CRS score to improve their chances.

Recent Express Entry Draw Results (2024)

Date: October 10, 2024
Draw Type: French language proficiency
ITAs Issued: 1,000
Minimum CRS: 444

Date: October 9, 2024
Draw Type: Canadian Experience Class
ITAs Issued: 500
Minimum CRS: 539

Date: October 7, 2024
Draw Type: Provincial Nominee Program
ITAs Issued: 1,613
Minimum CRS: 743

Date: September 19, 2024
Draw Type: Canadian Experience Class
ITAs Issued: 4,000
Minimum CRS: 509

Date: September 13, 2024
Draw Type: French language proficiency
ITAs Issued: 1,000
Minimum CRS: 446

Date: August 27, 2024
Draw Type: Canadian Experience Class
ITAs Issued: 3,300
Minimum CRS: 507

Date: July 5, 2024
Draw Type: Healthcare occupations
ITAs Issued: 3,750
Minimum CRS: 445

What This Means for Express Entry Candidates

General Draws: Higher CRS scores are typically required.
Category-Based Draws: Candidates in specific fields, such as healthcare or French language proficiency, may receive ITAs with lower CRS scores.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Candidates with provincial nominations automatically receive 600 additional CRS points, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an ITA.