On June 28, 2023, IRCC held its first-ever category-based draw. As part of the IRCC’s objective to target skilled immigrants in line with Canada’s unique national labor demands and demographic considerations, this innovative draw structure was adopted in May of the previous year. Here are the analysis of Category-based Express Entry draws.

IRCC decided to conduct these category-based Express Entry draws primarily in order to increase Canada’s attractiveness to foreign nationals with highly sought-after job experience and specialized talents. By prioritizing individuals who fit certain requirements in keeping with Canada’s economic and sociocultural goals, this strategy seeks to expedite immigration.

Through its category-based draws in 2024, IRCC has deliberately concentrated on giving priority to applicants with relevant work experience and linguistic proficiency. In particular, the draws are intended to lure people with expertise in the fields of healthcare, trades, science, engineering, technology, and mathematics (STEM), as well as agriculture and agri-food jobs. Additionally, the screening processes prioritize candidates who speak French well. IRCC seeks to expedite immigration procedures in order to support Canada’s linguistic diversity and economic vibrancy, while also catering to the country’s changing labor market demands.

Analysis of Draw Types, Frequency, and CRS Scores 

The IRCC has held a total of 25 category-based draws since the first one about a year ago. Data analysis shows significant variation in the CRS cut-off scores, and the draws have been divided into groups according to specific standards. These scores indicate the lowest cumulative test score (CRS) that applicants must meet in order to be eligible for an ITA in a certain Express Entry round. They are essential since applicants who have CRS scores that fall short of the minimum required for a particular draw are ineligible to acquire an ITA.

Overview of Category-Based Express Entry Draws: CRS Scores and ITA Numbers

  • June 28, 2023: Healthcare, CRS 476, 500 ITAs
  • July 5, 2023: STEM, CRS 486, 500 ITAs
  • July 6, 2023: Healthcare, CRS 463, 1,500 ITAs
  • July 7, 2023: French, CRS 439, 2,300 ITAs
  • July 12, 2023: French, CRS 375, 3,800 ITAs
  • August 2, 2023: French, CRS 435, 800 ITAs
  • August 3, 2023: Trades, CRS 388, 1,500 ITAs
  • September 20, 2023: Transport, CRS 435, 1,000 ITAs
  • September 27, 2023: French, CRS 472, 500 ITAs
  • September 28, 2023: Agriculture and Agri-Food, CRS 354, 600 ITAs
  • October 25, 2023: French, CRS 486, 300 ITAs
  • October 26, 2023: Healthcare, CRS 431, 3,600 ITAs
  • December 7, 2023: French, CRS 470, 1,000 ITAs
  • December 8, 2023: STEM, CRS 481, 5,900 ITAs
  • December 19, 2023: Trades, CRS 425, 1,000 ITAs
  • December 20, 2023: Transport, CRS 435, 670 ITAs
  • December 21, 2023: Agriculture and Agri-Food, CRS 386, 400 ITAs
  • February 1, 2024: French, CRS 365, 7,000 ITAs
  • February 14, 2024: Healthcare, CRS 422, 3,500 ITAs
  • February 16, 2024: Agriculture and Agri-Food, CRS 437, 150 ITAs
  • February 29, 2024: French, CRS 336, 2,500 ITAs
  • March 13, 2024: Transport, CRS 430, 975 ITAs
  • March 26, 2024: French, CRS 338, 1,500 ITAs
  • April 11, 2024: STEM, CRS 491, 4,500 ITAs
  • April 24, 2024: French, CRS 410, 1,400 ITAs

Total Invitations Issued

For this new draw type, the IRCC gave priority to all six categories; nonetheless, throughout the previous year, the amount of ITAs awarded in each category varied significantly:

  • Healthcare: 9,100 invitations issued
  • STEM: 10,900 invitations issued
  • Trades: 2,500 invitations issued
  • Transport: 2,645 invitations issued
  • Agriculture and Agri-Food: 1,150 invitations issued
  • French-language proficiency: 21,100 invitations issued

Outlook for the Remainder of 2024

The news revealed in April that the IRCC had laid out how it intended to distribute ITAs for 2024 among six priority groups.

The percentage of ITAs allotted to each category this year is specified in the IRCC’s plan:

  • Healthcare will receive 15% of the total Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
  • STEM categories are allocated 25% of the ITAs.
  • Trades will be allotted 5% of the ITAs.
  • Transport sectors are set to receive 3% of the ITAs.
  • Agriculture and Agri-Food will receive 0.5% of the ITAs.
  • The highest share of ITAs, at 30%, is allocated to French-language proficiency categories.