IRCC has released ITAs in the most recent Express Entry draw. IRCC invites 6300 CEC candidates in the latest Express Entry draw with a minimum CRS score of 515.

The lowest score of the year for a non-category-based selection draw is represented by today’s minimum CRS score. Additionally, it is less than the 522 minimum score needed in the most recent Canadian Experience Class (CEC)-only draw on May 31.

17,361 ITAs have been sent out by IRCC so far this month in six different draws. In a draw restricted to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the IRCC invited 1,391 candidates yesterday with a minimum CRS score of 670. Before then, on July 8, the IRCC held a category-based draw with a focus on French competence, inviting 3,200 candidates.

With a province nomination awarding an extra 600 CRS points to a candidate already in the running, CRS scores for PNP-only Express Entry drawings are typically higher than average. For example, if an Express Entry candidate is successfully nominated for the PNP, their aggregate CRS score would increase to 900 from their initial 300.

2024 Express Entry Draw Results at a Glance 

  • July 17: Canadian Experience Class, 6,300 ITAs, minimum CRS 515
  • July 16: Provincial Nominee Program, 1,391 ITAs, minimum CRS 670
  • July 8: French proficiency, 3,200 ITAs, minimum CRS 420
  • July 5: Healthcare occupations, 3,750 ITAs, minimum CRS 445
  • July 4: Trade occupations, 1,800 ITAs, minimum CRS 436
  • July 2: Provincial Nominee Program, 920 ITAs, minimum CRS 739
  • June 19: Provincial Nominee Program, 1,499 ITAs, minimum CRS 663
  • May 31: Canadian Experience Class, 3,000 ITAs, minimum CRS 522
  • May 30: Provincial Nominee Program, 2,985 ITAs, minimum CRS 676
  • April 24: French proficiency, 1,400 ITAs, minimum CRS 410
  • April 23: General, 2,095 ITAs, minimum CRS 529
  • April 11: STEM occupations, 4,500 ITAs, minimum CRS 491
  • April 10: General, 1,280 ITAs, minimum CRS 549
  • March 26: French language proficiency, 1,500 ITAs, minimum CRS 388
  • March 25: General, 1,980 ITAs, minimum CRS 524
  • March 13: Transport occupations, 975 ITAs, minimum CRS 430
  • March 12: General, 2,850 ITAs, minimum CRS 525
  • February 29: French language proficiency, 2,500 ITAs, minimum CRS 336
  • February 28: General, 1,470 ITAs, minimum CRS 534
  • February 16: Agriculture and agri-food occupations, 150 ITAs, minimum CRS 437
  • February 14: Healthcare occupations, 3,500 ITAs, minimum CRS 422
  • February 13: General, 1,490 ITAs, minimum CRS 535
  • February 1: French language proficiency, 7,000 ITAs, minimum CRS 365
  • January 31: General, 730 ITAs, minimum CRS 541
  • January 23: General, 1,040 ITAs, minimum CRS 543
  • January 10: General, 1,510 ITAs, minimum CRS 546

An overview of Express Entry 

An online immigration application system called Canada’s Express Entry was launched in January 2015 with the goal of organizing and streamlining the process of choosing and inviting qualified professionals to immigrate to Canada. Candidates are ranked using a points-based system that takes into account their education, employment experience, language proficiency, and other characteristics.

Three federal immigration programs are included in the Express Entry system. These are: 

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For applicants with skilled work experience in professional, managerial, technical, or trade occupations.
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For candidates qualified in a skilled trade, with at least two years of work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years and a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification.
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada, suitable for those already residing and working in the country.

Introduced in January 2015, Canada’s Express Entry system streamlines the immigration application procedure for qualified workers. The first step for qualified applicants is to create an online profile that includes their education, training, employment history, language skills, and other personal data. The CRS score, which ranks candidates out of a maximum of 1,200 points, is then determined using this profile. Points are given for a variety of criteria, including work experience, age, education, and language proficiency in both English and French. Other criteria include Canadian degrees, legitimate job offers, or nominations from provinces. Also, the IRCC frequently extends invitations to the top-ranked candidates to apply for permanent residency from the Express Entry pool, which is open to applicants with the highest cumulative CRS scores.

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which enables provinces and territories to nominate applicants and add 600 points to their CRS score, is one of the components of the Express Entry system. Additionally, the IRCC holds category-based draws for individuals that possess particular abilities or language capabilities. Regular draws in 2024 invited thousands of individuals with different CRS scores in healthcare occupations, PNP, French proficiency, and Canadian Experience Class. Express Entry is necessary to draw in talented workers and support Canada’s economic growth and cultural diversity.

About category-based selection

A facet of Canada’s Express Entry system called “category-based selection” aims to draw applicants with certain skills or qualifications and satisfy particular labor market demands. With this strategy, IRCC can conduct draws that focus on specific candidate groups possessing qualities highly valued in the Canadian economy.

Moreover, in Canada, the Express Entry system’s Category-Based Selection focuses on particular professions, skill sets, and language proficiency that are essential to the nation’s economic development. This method pinpoints shortages in trades, the healthcare industry, technical skills, and other important fields. In order to help Francophone communities, draws may give preference to candidates who speak French, as well as those with degrees in STEM subjects, which are highly sought after in the labor market. Through the Provincial Nominee Program, provinces and territories can nominate individuals, boosting their CRS score by 600 points. And improving their chances of receiving an ITA.

In order to alleviate severe job shortages, Draws also focuses on industries including healthcare, trades, and transportation. These initiatives seek to close gaps in the labor market, foster community development, and increase Canada’s economic diversity. In 2024, IRCC extensively utilized category-based selection. They adjusted CRS score requirements to align with shifting labor market demands. This ensured Canada attracts highly qualified workers who contribute to cultural diversity and economic prosperity.