The IRCC has released invitations to apply (ITAs) in the most recent Express Entry draw. 1391 candidates received invitations in the recent PNP-Only draw. Candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 670 to qualify.

The week’s first Express Entry draw is happening today, and there have been five since the beginning of July. Furthermore, 3,200 individuals were invited to the most recent draw, which took place on July 8. As well as, the selection of candidates was based on their level of French ability. Candidates chosen through a category-based selection process prioritize strong French language proficiency.

Earlier in the month, IRCC invited 920 individuals to participate in a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) only draw held on July 2. For this draw, a minimum CRS score of 739 was required.

For PNP-only Express Entry lotteries, CRS scores are generally higher than normal. This is because candidates nominated by a PNP-affiliated province or territory automatically receive an additional 600 CRS points on top of their existing score. For example, if a candidate received a PNP nomination, their initial CRS score of 300 would improve to 900.

An overview of the 2024 Express Entry draw results 

  • On July 16, the Provincial Nominee Program draw issued 1,391 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 670.
  • The French proficiency draw on July 8 issued 3,200 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 420.
  • A healthcare occupations draw on July 5 issued 3,750 ITAs, requiring a minimum CRS score of 445.
  • The trade occupations draw on July 4 issued 1,800 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 436.
  • On July 2, the Provincial Nominee Program draw issued 920 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 739.
  • The Provincial Nominee Program draw on June 19 issued 1,499 ITAs, requiring a minimum CRS score of 663.
  • A Canadian Experience Class draw on May 31 issued 3,000 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 522.
  • On May 30, the Provincial Nominee Program draw issued 2,985 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 676.
  • The French proficiency draw on April 24 issued 1,400 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 410.
  • A general draw on April 23 issued 2,095 ITAs, requiring a minimum CRS score of 529.
  • The STEM occupations draw on April 11 issued 4,500 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 491.
  • On April 10, a general draw issued 1,280 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 549.
  • On March 26, a French language proficiency draw issued 1,500 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 388.
  • A general draw on March 25 issued 1,980 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 524.
  • On March 13, the transport occupations draw issued 975 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 430.
  • The general draw on March 12 issued 2,850 ITAs, requiring a minimum CRS score of 525.
  • On February 29, the French language proficiency draw issued 2,500 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 336.
  • A general draw on February 28 issued 1,470 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 534.
  • The agriculture and agri-food occupations draw on February 16 issued 150 ITAs, requiring a minimum CRS score of 437.
  • On February 14, the healthcare occupations draw issued 3,500 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 422.
  • The general draw on February 13 issued 1,490 ITAs, requiring a minimum CRS score of 535.
  • On February 1, the French language proficiency draw issued 7,000 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 365.
  • A general draw on January 31 issued 730 ITAs, requiring a minimum CRS score of 541.
  • The general draw on January 23 issued 1,040 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 543.
  • On January 10, a general draw issued 1,510 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 546.

Understanding Express Entry 

The Express Entry system administers three Canadian economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. These avenues provide opportunities to become a permanent resident of Canada.

Furthermore, the CRS, which evaluates a number of human capital variables, is used to evaluate applicants. These consist of work experience, age, education, occupation, and language ability. Also, every component adds up to a candidate’s CRS score, which establishes how they rank in relation to other applications.

IRCC launched Express Entry in 2015 with the goal of expediting the processing of accepted applications. The agency has established a six-month application processing timeframe as a service standard.

Understanding Category-Based Selection in Immigration 

Through the Express Entry system, IRCC implemented category-based selection in 2023. With this approach, individuals who can contribute to Canada’s demographic strengths or meet the country’s pressing employment needs will be more specifically targeted. At that time, authorities created six different categories and confirmed they would remain in place until 2025. Among these categories are:

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

Moreover, applicants for permanent residency must be part of the Express Entry pool to qualify for draws conducted under these categories, which are not restricted to certain immigration schemes.