Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently issued invitations to apply (ITAs) in the latest Express Entry draw. A total of 763 candidates were invited in a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-aligned draw, with candidates requiring a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 690.
This draw is significant as it marks the first of August, following an unprecedented series of Express Entry draws in July. The IRCC issued over 25,000 ITAs across nine separate draws in July alone, making it the month with the most draws since the Express Entry system was launched in 2015. This is a sharp contrast to June, which saw only one draw.
Breakdown of July Draws
July’s Express Entry draws were diverse, covering several categories:
- Category-Based Selection Draws:
- French Language Proficiency: Two draws were held for candidates with French language proficiency, with the July 18 draw featuring the lowest CRS score of the month at 400.
- Healthcare Occupations: ITAs were issued to candidates in healthcare professions.
- Trade Occupations: ITAs were issued to candidates in various trades, such as carpenters and plumbers.
- Program-Specific Draws:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Two draws focused on candidates already residing in Canada.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Three draws were held for PNP candidates, with the highest CRS score of the month being 739 on July 2.
The focus on category-based draws reflects IRCC’s commitment to targeting specific skill sets and demographics, aligning with its goal to reduce the number of temporary residents while meeting permanent resident admission targets.
Express Entry draw results in 2024
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
| July 31 | Canada Experience Class | 5000 | 510 |
| July 30 | Provincial Nominee Program | 964 | 686 |
| July 18 | French language proficiency | 1800 | 400 |
| July 17 | Canada Experience Class | 6300 | 515 |
| July 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1391 | 670 |
| July 8 | French proficiency | 3200 | 420 |
| July 5 | Healthcare occupations | 3750 | 445 |
| July 4 | Trade occupations | 1800 | 436 |
| July 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 920 | 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 | 150 | 437 |
| February 14 | Healthcare occupations | 3500 | 422 |
| February 13 | General | 1490 | 535 |
| February 1 | French language proficiency | 7000 | 365 |
| January 31 | General | 730 | 541 |
| January 23 | General | 1040 | 543 |
| January 10 | General | 1510 | 546 |
What is Category-Based Selection?
Introduced in May 2023, category-based selection rounds allow IRCC to target candidates who can fill urgent workforce needs or help achieve demographic goals. The six categories currently include:
- Healthcare occupations
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- Trades occupations
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- French-language proficiency
According to the 2023 Express Entry year-end report, STEM category candidates received the most ITAs, with 32,111 invitations issued. French-language candidates followed with 15,812 ITAs. However, in 2024, it is expected that French-speaking candidates will receive the highest number of ITAs.
This targeted approach ensures that Canada continues to attract skilled immigrants who can contribute to the country’s economic growth and meet the demands of its labour market.
FAQs About the Express Entry System and Recent Draws
1. What is Express Entry?
- Express Entry is an application management system launched by IRCC in 2015. It is used to manage applications for three economic immigration programs: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
2. How does the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) work?
- The CRS ranks candidates based on factors like age, education, work experience, language ability, and more. Each factor contributes to a candidate’s overall score, and those with the highest scores receive invitations to apply for permanent residency.
3. What was the focus of the latest Express Entry draw in August 2024?
- The most recent draw in August 2024 focused on candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). A total of 763 candidates were invited, requiring a minimum CRS score of 690.
4. Why was July 2024 significant for Express Entry draws?
- July 2024 was notable for having the highest number of Express Entry draws in a single month since the system’s inception. Over 25,000 ITAs were issued in nine separate draws, covering various categories, including French-language proficiency, healthcare occupations, and trade occupations.
5. What is category-based selection in Express Entry?
- Category-based selection allows IRCC to target candidates who meet specific workforce needs or demographic goals. Introduced in May 2023, it includes categories such as healthcare, STEM professions, trades, transport, agriculture, and French-language proficiency.
6. What were the highlights of the July 2024 draws?
- The highlights included:
- The lowest CRS score of 400 in a French language proficiency draw on July 18.
- The highest CRS score of 739 for PNP candidates on July 2.
- A significant focus on category-based selection, with draws targeting candidates in healthcare, trades, and French-language categories.
7. How is IRCC’s draw strategy evolving?
- IRCC is increasing the number of program-specific draws, especially for candidates already residing in Canada. This strategy is aimed at reducing temporary residents while meeting permanent resident admission targets.
8. What should candidates expect in upcoming draws?
- Candidates can expect a continued focus on category-based draws, particularly for French-speaking individuals and those in critical occupations like healthcare and trades.
To Know More You Can Contact US
