In its third Express Entry draw of the week, IRCC has issued ITAs. IRCC invites 1800 in the week’s third Express Entry draw. This draw is a category-based draw for French language proficiency applicants.

Candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 400 to qualify for consideration.

The minimum CRS score required for an Express Entry draw as of right now is among the lowest of the year. With 6,300 candidates in the Canadian Experience Class, yesterday’s program-specific draw had the lowest score of any non-category-based selection draw at 515.

With a minimum CRS score of 670, the IRCC held a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-only draw earlier this week, inviting 1,391 applications. Prior to that, 3,200 candidates were invited to the category-based selection draw for French proficiency held by IRCC on July 8.

PNP-only Express Entry drawings typically have CRS scores that are higher than average since PNP nominations grant candidates an extra 600 CRS points. For example, an Express Entry candidate with a 300 score would have a total CRS of 900 if they were to successfully acquire a PNP nomination.

This month is the busiest for Express Entry this year, with 19,161 ITAs given by the IRCC so far this month across seven different draws.

Express Entry draw outcomes

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

About Express Entry

The goal of Canada’s Express Entry system, which went live in January 2015, was to simplify and arrange the immigration selection procedure for qualified professionals. The system ranks candidates according to criteria like education, work experience, language ability, and other pertinent qualities using a points-based system.

There are three federal immigration programs included in Express Entry:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For individuals with skilled work experience in professional, managerial, technical, or trade occupations.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For those with qualifications in a skilled trade, requiring at least two years of recent work experience and either a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For applicants with a minimum of one year of skilled work experience in Canada, targeting individuals already residing and working in the country.

First, candidates create an online profile with their educational background, professional experience, language proficiency, and other personal facts. Their CRS score, which is determined by a number of characteristics such as age, education, work experience, and fluency in both French and English, can reach a maximum of 1,200 points. Points may also be granted for nominations from provinces, legitimate job offers, and Canadian qualifications. IRCC then extends invitations to the top-ranked individuals in the Express Entry pool to apply for permanent residency.

One important element is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which gives provinces and territories the ability to propose candidates and increase their CRS score by 600 points. The IRCC also holds category-based draws that are intended for those with particular talents or language ability. Regular drawings for Express Entry in 2024 attracted thousands of applicants in a number of categories, including as healthcare jobs, PNP, French language ability, and Canadian Experience Class. This system is essential to luring in skilled laborers to sustain the cultural variety and economic expansion of Canada.

An overview of category-based selection draw 

In order to satisfy labor market demands, individuals with particular skills or qualifications are targeted through category-based selection in Canada’s Express Entry system. Using this method enables the IRCC to hold draws that concentrate on occupations, competencies, and language proficiency that are essential to Canada’s economic development.

In order to help Francophone communities and solve high-demand sectors, the system places an emphasis on fields where there is a scarcity, such as healthcare, trades, and technical roles. It may also give priority to French speakers and graduates in STEM subjects. Provinces can nominate individuals through the Provincial Nominee Program. This nomination boosts their CRS score by 600 points, increasing their chances of earning an ITA.

In 2024, the IRCC adjusted the CRS score standards for category-based selection to better align with evolving labor market needs. This change aimed to attract skilled workers and enhance Canada’s economic and cultural diversity.