Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued invitations to candidates in the third Express Entry draw of the month.
The department issued 1,980 invitations to apply (ITAs) in a general draw.
Candidates are required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 524.
Today’s draw follows two Express Entry draws on March 12 and 13. The March 12 draw was general and ITAs were issued to 2,850 candidates with a minimum CRS of 525. It was the lowest general draw score of the year until today.
This score represented a drop of nine points from the last general draw on February 28 and a 21-point drop from the first general draw 2024 on January 10 (546). IRCC considers candidates from all programs and categories in a general draw.
The March 13 draw was a category-based selection draw for Express Entry candidates in transport occupations. Candidates needed a minimum CRS of 430 to be considered. It was the first such draw since December 20, 2023.
Since the introduction of category-based selection draws, IRCC has invited 2,645 candidates in transport occupations.
Summary Of Express Entry Draw Results In 2024
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 25 | General | 1,980 | 524 |
| March 13 | Transport occupations | 975 | 430 |
| March 12 | General | 2,850 | 525 |
| February 29 | French language proficiency | 2,500 | 336 |
| February 28 | General | 1,470 | 534 |
| February 16 | Agriculture and agri-food occupations | 150 | 437 |
| February 14 | Healthcare occupations | 3,500 | 422 |
| February 13 | General | 1,490 | 535 |
| February 1 | French language proficiency | 7,000 | 365 |
| January 31 | General | 730 | 541 |
| January 23 | General | 1,040 | 543 |
| January 10 | General | 1,510 | 546 |
What Is Category-Based Selection?
Category-based selection draws were introduced in May 2023, as a means for IRCC to identify Express Entry candidates with the in-demand skills and attributes and issue ITAs.
The department created six categories that will remain in place throughout 2024. They 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
The categories reflect many of Canada’s acute labor shortages as well as IRCC’s mandate to promote the French language outside of Quebec. French-speaking candidates have received the highest number of ITAs since the categories were introduced.
What Is Express Entry
Express Entry is an application management system for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Candidates from all programs are ranked against each other within the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The system assigns points to candidates based on their human capital attributes such as language ability, education, occupation, work experience, and age.
Those who obtain the highest overall scores are the most likely to receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent resident status at IRCC.
Once a candidate submits their final application to IRCC, they should receive a final decision within six months (the department’s published service standard).
