Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued invitations to apply (ITAs) in the latest Express Entry draw, the first of July 2024. This draw focused on candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), issuing 920 ITAs to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 739.
Key Highlights of the Recent Draw
- Draw Date: July 2, 2024
- Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Number of ITAs Issued: 920
- Minimum CRS Score: 739
Recent Express Entry Draws
In the past month, IRCC has conducted several program-specific draws, including:
- June 19, 2024: 1,499 ITAs issued in a PNP-only draw with a minimum CRS score of 663.
- May 31, 2024: 3,000 ITAs issued in a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw with a minimum CRS score of 522.
- May 30, 2024: 2,985 ITAs issued in a PNP-only draw with a minimum CRS score of 676.
Understanding Express Entry
Express Entry is an application management system introduced in 2015 by IRCC to streamline the process for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. It includes several programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
CRS Scoring System
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) evaluates candidates based on factors such as age, work experience, language ability, and education. The higher the CRS score, the better the chances of receiving an ITA in an Express Entry draw.
Types of Express Entry Draws
- Program-Specific Draws: Focus on candidates from specific programs (e.g., PNP, CEC).
- Category-Based Selection Draws: Target candidates with specific skills or attributes (e.g., healthcare, STEM, French-language proficiency).
- General Draws: Consider all candidates in the Express Entry pool, regardless of their program or occupation.
Recent Trends and Changes
Since January 2024, IRCC has aimed to stabilise the number of temporary residents in Canada by offering them more pathways to permanent residence. This includes focusing on temporary residents currently living or having experience living in Canada through programs like CEC and PNP. This strategy helps meet the targets outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan and manage the temporary resident population effectively.
Summary of 2024 Express Entry Draws
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
| July 02 | Provincial Nominee Program | 923 | 739 |
| June 19 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1499 | 663 |
| May 31 | Canadian Experience Class | 3000 | 522 |
| May 30 | Provincial Nominee Program | 2985 | 676 |
| April 24 | French proficiency | 1400 | 410 |
| April 23 | General | 2095 | 529 |
| April 11 | STEM occupations | 4500 | 491 |
| April 10 | General | 1280 | 549 |
| March 26 | French language proficiency | 1500 | 388 |
| March 25 | General | 1980 | 524 |
| March 13 | Transport occupations | 975 | 430 |
| March 12 | General | 2850 | 525 |
| February 29 | French language proficiency | 2500 | 336 |
| February 28 | General | 1470 | 534 |
| February 16 | Agriculture and agri-food occupations | 150 | 437 |
| February 14 | Healthcare occupations | 3500 | 422 |
| February 13 | General | 1490 | 535 |
| February 01 | French language proficiency | 7000 | 365 |
| January 31 | General | 730 | 541 |
| January 23 | General | 1040 | 543 |
| January 10 | General | 1510 | 546 |
Conclusion
The latest Express Entry draw by IRCC highlights the ongoing efforts to attract skilled immigrants to Canada, focusing on those with provincial nominations. As IRCC continues to adapt its immigration strategies to meet the needs of the Canadian labor market and population, Express Entry remains a crucial pathway for skilled workers to achieve permanent residence in Canada. If you are considering applying through Express Entry, understanding the CRS and staying informed about draw trends can significantly enhance your chances of receiving an ITA.
To learn more you can contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions on Canada Kicks Off July with New Express Entry Invitations
1. What is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)?
The CRS is a points-based system used by IRCC to assess and score candidates in the Express Entry pool. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, work experience, education, and language ability.
2. What are the different types of Express Entry draws?
There are program-specific draws, category-based selection draws, and general draws. Each type targets different groups of candidates based on specific criteria.
3. What is a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw?
A PNP draw targets candidates who have been nominated by a Canadian province or territory. These candidates typically receive additional CRS points, boosting their chances of receiving an ITA.
4. What is the purpose of category-based selection draws?
Category-based selection draws were introduced to address specific labor market needs in Canada by targeting candidates with in-demand skills or attributes, such as proficiency in French or experience in healthcare or STEM fields.
5. How can I improve my CRS score?
Candidates can improve their CRS score by gaining more work experience, improving language test scores, obtaining a higher level of education, or securing a provincial nomination.
