Canada Invites 1,800 Express Entry Candidates in Latest Trade Occupations Draw

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently conducted a category-based Express Entry draw, inviting 1,800 candidates in trade occupations. This draw required candidates to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 433.

Key Highlights of the Latest Draw

• Draw Type: Trade Occupations
• Number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs): 1,800
• Minimum CRS Score: 433
  
  

This was the first trade-specific draw since July 4, when IRCC also invited 1,800 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 436. Additionally, it's the first non-French category-based draw since July 5. The draw on October 23 was the third Express Entry event of the week, following a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw on October 22 and a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on October 21.

Recent Draw Trends

IRCC has recently adopted a trend of multiple draws every two weeks, often featuring specific categories like CEC and PNP. This approach aligns with the department's goal of increasing draws for candidates already residing in Canada as temporary residents. The strategy aims to reduce the temporary resident population while meeting annual targets for permanent residents.

Upcoming Immigration Levels Plan

The next Immigration Levels Plan is set to be released by November 1, outlining targets for 2025 to 2027. For 2024, Canada aimed to welcome 110,770 new permanent residents, although details on whether this target has been met are yet to be confirmed.

Candidates who receive an ITA in the latter half of 2024 are likely to land in Canada in 2025, given the six-month processing timeline for Express Entry applications.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is a system that manages three major economic immigration programs in Canada:

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

The system uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to evaluate candidates based on factors like age, occupation, education, language proficiency, and work experience. These factors are scored to produce an overall CRS score. Candidates with the highest scores are more likely to receive an ITA.

Additional points are available for provincial nominations, family connections in Canada, or applying with a spouse or partner. PNP draws often have higher CRS requirements due to the 600 additional points granted to candidates with provincial nominations.

Recent Express Entry Draw Results in 2024

Canada’s Express Entry system continues to adapt and target specific economic needs, attracting candidates who are ready to contribute to the country’s workforce and economic goals.