IRCC extends invitations to 5000 CEC candidates in the latest Express Entry draw. This draw was limited to candidates who met the minimum CRS score of 510 in order to be considered for the Canadian Experience Class.

IRCC Issues 25,125 ITAs in July, Focus on CEC and Category-Based Draws 

IRCC issued 25,125 ITAs in total during the hectic July draw, which is the ninth Express Entry draw.

Additionally, this month, the IRCC has alternated between category-based selection draws and program-specific draws, like the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Applicants who were proficient in French were given the majority of ITAs in category-based draws; these applicants received 5,000 ITAs in two rounds. In addition, on July 4, the IRCC granted 1,800 ITAs to applicants in trade occupations and 3,750 ITAs to candidates in healthcare.

Today’s draw was the ninth of an already busy month for Express Entry. In total, IRCC has issued 25,125 ITAs throughout July.

Draws this month have been alternating between program-specific draws, such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and category-based selection draws.

Additionally, in category-based draws, most ITAs have gone to candidates who demonstrate French language proficiency, totaling 5,000 ITAs over two draws. IRCC also issued 3,750 ITAs to healthcare candidates on July 5 and 1,800 to candidates in trade occupations on July 4.

A high number of ITAs have also been issued in program-specific draws. As of July 31, IRCC has invited 11,300 Canadian Experience Class candidates and 3,275 PNP candidates. Candidates in both programs often already live and work in Canada as temporary residents. The return to program-specific draws on May 30 after a full year without them aligns with IRCC’s previously announced intention to hold more domestic draws.

In March this year, the department introduced a new goal of reducing and stabilizing the number of temporary residents in Canada while also meeting its permanent resident targets as outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan.

Highlights of Express Entry Draws in 2024 

  • July 31: 5000 ITAs issued in a CEC draw with a minimum CRS score of 510.
  • July 30: 964 ITAs issued in a PNP draw with a minimum CRS score of 686.
  • July 18: 1,800 ITAs issued to French language proficiency candidates, minimum CRS score of 400.
  • July 17: CEC draw issued 6,300 ITAs, minimum CRS score 515.
  • July 16: 1,391 ITAs issued in a PNP draw, minimum CRS score 670.
  • July 8: 3,200 ITAs awarded for French language proficiency, minimum CRS score 420.
  • July 5: Healthcare occupations draw issued 3,750 ITAs, minimum CRS score 445.
  • July 4: 1,800 ITAs issued for trade occupations, minimum CRS score 436.
  • July 2: PNP draw issued 920 ITAs, minimum CRS score 739.
  • June 19: 1,499 ITAs issued in a PNP draw, minimum CRS score 663.
  • May 31: CEC draw issued 3,000 ITAs, minimum CRS score 522.
  • May 30: 2,985 ITAs issued in a PNP draw, minimum CRS score 676.
  • April 24: 1,400 ITAs issued for French proficiency, minimum CRS score 410.
  • April 23: General draw issued 2,095 ITAs, minimum CRS score 529.
  • April 11: STEM occupations draw issued 4,500 ITAs, minimum CRS score 491.
  • April 10: General draw issued 1,280 ITAs, minimum CRS score 549.
  • March 26: French language proficiency draw issued 1,500 ITAs, minimum CRS score 388.
  • March 25: General draw issued 1,980 ITAs, minimum CRS score 524.
  • March 13: Transport occupations draw issued 975 ITAs, minimum CRS score 430.
  • March 12: General draw issued 2,850 ITAs, minimum CRS score 525.
  • February 29: French language proficiency draw issued 2,500 ITAs, minimum CRS score 336.
  • February 28: General draw issued 1,470 ITAs, minimum CRS score 534.
  • February 16: 150 ITAs issued for agriculture and agri-food occupations, minimum CRS score 437.
  • February 14: Healthcare occupations draw issued 3,500 ITAs, minimum CRS score 422.
  • February 13: General draw issued 1,490 ITAs, minimum CRS score 535.
  • February 1: French language proficiency draw issued 7,000 ITAs, minimum CRS score 365.
  • January 31: General draw issued 730 ITAs, minimum CRS score 541.
  • January 23: General draw issued 1,040 ITAs, minimum CRS score 543.
  • January 10: General draw issued 1,510 ITAs, minimum CRS score 546.

An overview of Express Entry 

Several key Canadian economic immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), utilize the Express Entry system for application management.

Furthermore, Express Entry serves as a primary pathway for skilled worker immigration in Canada. Also, it uses the CRS to assess candidates based on various human capital factors. As well as, these factors include work experience, age, education, occupation, and language proficiency. Each of these elements contributes to the candidate’s overall CRS score.

Moreover, the CRS score is a cumulative measure that reflects the candidate’s potential to enhance Canada’s demographic landscape and contribute effectively to its workforce. Higher CRS scores improve a candidate’s chances of receiving an ITA for permanent residence.

Moreover, Express Entry aims to streamline the immigration process for highly skilled individuals, with the goal of processing applications within six months.

Grasping Category-Based Selection in Express Entry 

IRCC implemented category-based selection draws in May 2023 in response to the country’s present need for particular qualifications and abilities. Many discussions with internal and external parties led to the development of these categories. Furthermore, the areas that have been selected include occupations in the healthcare industry, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, crafts like carpentry, plumbing, and contracting, transportation positions, roles in agriculture and agri-food, and positions for people who speak French. Also, with possible changes for the next year, these categories will guide the selection process for the remainder of 2024.