Canada Extends Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the First Express Entry Draw of July. IRCC has issued 920 ITAs in the most recent round of the Express Entry draw. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates were the main focus of this particular draw. Candidates had to receive a minimum CRS score of 739 in order to be considered. An important chance for talented foreigners hoping to get permanent residency in Canada is presented by this draw.

IRCC’s Recent Draws and Strategic Immigration Goals in Canada

The three program-specific draws held during the previous month are followed by today’s draw. In a PNP draw on June 19, IRCC invited 1,499 individuals who met the minimal CRS score of 663. Before that, 2,985 Express Entry hopefuls were invited to another PNP-only draw hosted by the IRCC on May 30. This was the first program-specific draw as well as the first PNP draw since May 10, 2023. Furthermore, on May 31, 3,000 applicants from the CEC were invited to participate in a second draw.

Only applicants who applied through an Express Entry program, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the CEC, or the Federal Skilled Trades Program, are included in the program-specific pool of candidates. Candidates are only taken into consideration for a PNP only draw if they have been approved for enhanced nomination, which is an Express Entry-aligned stream of a PNP.

Since the implementation of category-based selection drawings in May 2023, this kind of draw had not taken place until recently. However, IRCC has been attempting to stabilize Canada’s high numbers of temporary residents since January of this year. Moreover, offering more routes for temporary residents—those in Canada on a visitor visa, work or study permit, or both—to become permanent residents is one way to do this.

Numerous temporary residents currently residing in Canada, or those with past visits to the country, often seek permanent residence through either the PNP or the Canadian Experience Class. This strategic approach allows IRCC to both decrease the number of temporary residents in Canada and achieve its annual targets for “Federal High Skilled Workers” (Express Entry) as outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan.

Recap of Express Entry Draw Outcomes in 2024 

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

Exploring Express Entry – Entry Routes and Eligibility Criteria 

Canada is one of the most popular immigration destinations in the world and is well-known for its multiculturalism. Regardless of the applicant’s motivation—for example, self-employed persons seeking to settle in Canada, foreign workers, international students, or job seekers—the nation provides a range of immigration options.

Launched by the government in 2015 to speed up the immigration process and shorten processing times for Canadian immigration, Express Entry stands out as Canada’s top immigration method for economic immigrants.

Candidates who use Express Entry are invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada, which opens the door to their ultimate naturalization as citizens of Canada.

The Canada Express Entry system encompasses three main economic immigration programs:

Furthermore, a number of Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams are connected to Express Entry, enabling immigrants to apply for citizenship and permanent residency in Canada through PNP streams associated with Express Entry.

In order to evaluate candidates for Express Entry, the CRS considers human capital variables such as education, job experience, age, vocation, and language competence. The candidate’s overall CRS score is calculated by adding the scores from each factor. Also, each factor is given a score. The probability of obtaining an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the subsequent draw is higher for those with better CRS scores.

Moreover, there are three different kinds of Express Entry draws: general, program-specific, and category-based selection draws. All Express Entry candidates are taken into account for general draws, irrespective of their particular immigration program or occupation.

Category-based selection draw – An overview

The Express Entry system underwent a new approach in 2023 when the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented category-based selection draws. These draws aim to increase the number of French-speaking people in the country while also focusing on applicants who have particular qualities that are in high demand in Canada’s workforce.

Six different categories were established by the IRCC under this new approach, which allows candidates to get ITAs:

Healthcare Occupations: In order to meet Canada’s continuous need for qualified healthcare workers, this includes professionals and support personnel in the healthcare industry.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Professions: Includes a broad range of scientific and technical disciplines that are essential to Canada’s innovation and growth.

Trades Occupations: Includes skilled tradespeople who are necessary for building and developing infrastructure, like carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and contractors.

Transport Occupations: Includes roles related to transportation and logistics, ensuring efficient movement of goods and people across the country.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations: Targets individuals involved in agriculture, farming, and food production, supporting Canada’s agricultural industry.

French-Language Proficiency: Recognizes candidates with strong proficiency in French, aiming to enhance the French-speaking community within Canada.

These category-based draws, in contrast to program-specific draws, are meant to be more focused and could have lower CRS ratings than general draws. By using this strategy, the IRCC can give preference to applicants who meet particular labor market demands and language objectives, supporting Canada’s aspirations for social integration and economic progress.