Finally!! Express Entry Draws is Back! | 676 CRS Score | Canada Immigration 2024
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has invited 2,985 individuals for Express Entry following a one-month hiatus. For a great number of prospective immigrants who have been anxiously awaiting word on their applications, this development is a momentous occasion. The invitation program’s restart demonstrates the IRCC’s dedication to clearing the backlog and advancing Canada’s immigration objectives.
In Canada’s most recent Express Entry lottery, Invitations to Apply (ITAs) have been released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). In a program-specific lottery for applicants to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the department granted 2,985 visas. To be considered, candidates had to receive a minimum of 676 points on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Since the start of category-based selection drawings in June 2023, this was the first Express Entry draw that was specifically focused on a program. Program-specific draws, as opposed to general draws, which invite applications from all programs, take into account just those candidates from the Express Entry pool who have applied through a particular permanent residency program.
This month’s draw comes after a month-long break and is also the first since April 24. The department has received recent access to information requests, and while the IRCC has not confirmed the reason for the pause, all draws this year will go on according to a prearranged schedule. That timetable is not publicly available, per IRCC.
Additionally, it stated that the size and frequency of draws will be decided by the admissions targets for 2024 and 2025. Draw frequency may also be influenced by processing capacity.
Express Entry Draws Before The Pause
There were four draws in April, before the break. On April 10, 1,280 candidates were invited to the general draw for the first April draw. In a category-based selection draw for STEM vocations, the government awarded 4,500 ITAs to Express Entry hopefuls the next day. The final two drawings were held on April 23 and 24.
On the 23rd, the IRCC invited 1,400 candidates to a selection draw based on French proficiency categories and 295 candidates to a general lottery. According to a recent request for access to information, it is anticipated that competency in French will top category-based selection draws in 2024. According to the IRCC, this is because hiring bilingual candidates is so common.
Additionally, according to the department, candidates who speak French well typically score higher on the CRS, increasing their chances of achieving effective economic integration as a whole.
Of all the ITAs awarded in category-based draws this year, 5% or fewer will go to STEM occupations, which will have the second greatest number at 25%, followed by healthcare jobs at 15%, transportation, trades, and agriculture and agri-food sectors. There were plans to issue general drawings for the remaining 21.5% of ITAs. Notably, program-specific draws were not mentioned.
Summary of Express Entry Draw Results in 2024
What is Express Entry?
Three of Canada’s most well-known economic immigration programs are managed by Express Entry, an application management system: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skill Trades Program (FSTP). Although the eligibility conditions for each program vary, they are always assessed using the same Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Express Entry candidates receive a point score via the CRS for several human capital variables, including age, education, job experience, vocation, language proficiency, and whether or not they are coming with a spouse or partner. The ultimate CRS score for candidates is calculated by adding each score. In the upcoming Express Entry draw, those with better scores have the best chance of receiving an ITA.
Additionally, the IRCC implemented category-based selection draws in May 2023 for Express Entry applicants who meet certain language or work experience requirements. The following six categories are:
- Healthcare occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professions
- Trades occupations such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and Agri-food occupations
- Strong French proficiency
These classifications will hold until 2024, but immigration in 2025 might cause them to alter. To be considered, candidates must be in the Express Entry pool and fulfill additional category requirements.
For thousands of Express Entry applicants, the IRCC’s most recent round of invitations offers fresh optimism. This restart not only shows improvement but also Canada’s continued commitment to embracing fresh talent and promoting development. The IRCC’s actions further underscore its role in fostering a vibrant and varied Canadian society as candidates get ready for the next phase of their immigration journey.