Key Points:
- Event: Latest Express Entry draw by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Invitations: 3,000 ITAs issued
- CRS Score: Minimum 522
Summary:
In its most recent Express Entry draw, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) specifically for candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). To be considered, candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 522.
Recent Trends:
Today’s draw marks the second one this week and follows a May 30 draw for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. This is the first draw exclusively for CEC candidates since September 14, 2021, featuring the year’s lowest CRS score for a non-category-based draw.
Context:
The recent draws reflect IRCC’s commitment to “domestic draws,” aiming to transition more temporary residents to permanent status. Many CEC and PNP candidates are already living and working in Canada as temporary residents.
Program-Specific Draws:
Program-specific draws invite candidates from a particular permanent residency program within the Express Entry pool, unlike general draws which invite applicants from all programs.
April and May Draws:
The May 30 draw was the first since April 24, after a month-long pause. While IRCC has not disclosed the reason for the pause, an Access to Information Request revealed that all draws this year follow a predetermined schedule, influenced by 2024 and 2025 admission targets and processing capacity.
In April, IRCC held four draws:
- April 10: 1,280 candidates in a general draw.
- April 11: 4,500 candidates in a category-based selection for STEM occupations.
- April 23: 2,095 candidates in a general draw.
- April 24: 1,400 candidates in a French proficiency selection draw.
Future Trends:
French proficiency is expected to lead category-based selection draws in 2024 due to high employment rates and higher CRS scores among bilingual candidates. STEM occupations will account for 25% of ITAs, healthcare for 15%, and transport, trades, and agriculture/agri-food for 5% or less. General draws will cover the remaining 21.5% of ITAs.
Understanding Express Entry:
Express Entry is Canada’s application management system for economic immigration programs, including:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Candidates are assessed using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which awards points based on factors like work experience, occupation, language ability, age, and education. Those with higher CRS scores are more likely to receive ITAs.
In May 2023, IRCC introduced category-based selection draws focusing on specific work experiences or language abilities in six categories:
- Healthcare
- STEM
- Trades
- Transport
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Strong French proficiency
These categories will continue through 2024, with potential changes in 2025. Candidates must be in the Express Entry pool and meet category requirements to be eligible.
Summary of Express Entry draw results in 2024
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |