IRCC conducted the fourth Express Entry draw of this month. 3200 applicants received invitations in this category-based selection draw for French language proficiency. Candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 420 to qualify for consideration.

The three draws from last week, from July 2–5, are closely followed by today’s drawing. A minimum CRS score of 739 was required for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which only admitted 920 candidates on July 2.

The other two were draws for selection based on categories. 1,800 ITAs were given to candidates in trade occupations on July 4th in the first instance. On July 5, the IRCC invited 3,750 candidates in healthcare occupations to the second round.

All things considered, Express Entry draws have been extremely busy this month. The IRCC normally holds draws every two weeks, averaging between two and four draws per month. With six draws, February has been the busiest month of the year thus far. April was the last month to have four draws.

This year’s category-based selection draws are anticipated to issue 30% of ITAs through French-proficiency draws. In this category, the IRCC has issued 15,600 ITAs thus far.

Recap of Express Entry Draw Results for 2024 

  • July 8: French proficiency draw, 3,200 ITAs, minimum CRS 420.
  • July 5: Healthcare occupations draw, 3,750 ITAs, minimum CRS 445.
  • July 4: Trade occupations draw, 1,800 ITAs, minimum CRS 436.
  • July 2: Provincial Nominee Program draw, 920 ITAs, minimum CRS 739.
  • June 19: Provincial Nominee Program draw, 1,499 ITAs, minimum CRS 663.
  • May 31: Canadian Experience Class draw, 3,000 ITAs, minimum CRS 522.
  • May 30: Provincial Nominee Program draw, 2,985 ITAs, minimum CRS 676.
  • April 24: French proficiency draw, 1,400 ITAs, minimum CRS 410.
  • April 23: General draw, 2,095 ITAs, minimum CRS 529.
  • April 11: STEM occupations draw, 4,500 ITAs, minimum CRS 491.
  • April 10: General draw, 1,280 ITAs, minimum CRS 549.
  • March 26: French language proficiency draw, 1,500 ITAs, minimum CRS 388.
  • March 25: General draw, 1,980 ITAs, minimum CRS 524.
  • March 13: Transport occupations draw, 975 ITAs, minimum CRS 430.
  • March 12: General draw, 2,850 ITAs, minimum CRS 525.
  • February 29: French language proficiency draw, 2,500 ITAs, minimum CRS 336.
  • February 28: General draw, 1,470 ITAs, minimum CRS 534.
  • February 16: Agriculture and agri-food occupations draw, 150 ITAs, minimum CRS 437.
  • February 14: Healthcare occupations draw, 3,500 ITAs, minimum CRS 422.
  • February 13: General draw, 1,490 ITAs, minimum CRS 535.
  • February 1: French language proficiency draw, 7,000 ITAs, minimum CRS 365.
  • January 31: General draw, 730 ITAs, minimum CRS 541.
  • January 23: General draw, 1,040 ITAs, minimum CRS 543.
  • January 10: General draw, 1,510 ITAs, minimum CRS 546.

An overview of Express Entry 

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) are the primary economic immigration programs managed by IRCC’s Express Entry system. Launched in 2015, the Express Entry system aims to identify and prioritize immigration candidates who are most likely to successfully integrate into Canada’s labor market and economy.

Each Express Entry program has its own specific eligibility requirements. However, all candidates are evaluated using the CRS. The CRS assigns numerical scores to candidates based on various human capital factors, including age, occupation, work experience, education level, and language proficiency. These individual scores are combined to create an overall CRS score. A higher CRS score increases a candidate’s likelihood of receiving an ITA from IRCC in an upcoming Express Entry draw.

The Role of Category-Based Selection in Canadian Immigration 

To further meet pressing employment shortages, IRCC implemented category-based selection draws in 2023. Following extensive discussions with pertinent parties and the provincial and territorial governments, these categories were created. The following are the current categories, which will be in use until 2025:

  • Healthcare Occupations: This category targets professionals in various healthcare roles.
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Professions: This category focuses on individuals with expertise in STEM fields.
  • Trades Occupations: This includes skilled tradespeople such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors.
  • Transport Occupations: This targets workers in transportation-related jobs.
  • Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations: This category is aimed at professionals in the agriculture and agri-food sectors.
  • French-Language Proficiency: This category is for candidates who are proficient in the French language.

Candidates must possess a minimum of six months of relevant work experience in a profession classified under an acceptable NOC code to qualify for consideration in all categories, except for French language proficiency. According to the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC), candidates who speak French must submit exam results showing a minimum score of seven in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. In 2025, these classifications might alter in order to better suit the changing needs of the Canadian labor market.