Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sent out invites to apply (ITAs) in the most recent Express Entry draw of the week. For this draw, which was only for healthcare jobs, 3,500 applicants were invited, and they had to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 422.
After the general draw on February 13, which called for 1,490 applicants with a CRS score of 535 or higher, this draw is the next one. On February 1, 2024, IRCC held another category-based selection draw, this time asking 7,000 candidates who spoke French very well. It was the biggest draw of the year so far.
In January, three general draws called 3,280 people to apply. Different draws had different CRS score requirements, running from 546 to 541.
IRCC started using category-based selection in May 2023. It has six different categories that are each aimed at different human capital characteristics. People who fit into these groups must be able to speak and write French well and have certain jobs, such as those in healthcare, STEM fields, trades, transportation, or farm and agri-food. To be considered for these groups, you must first be able to participate in Express Entry programs and be in the pool.
IRCC created these categories after consulting with many groups, such as businesses, immigration researchers, provincial and territorial governments, and settlement services. The goal was to fill important gaps in Canada’s labor force with the best candidates.
There are three economic immigration schemes that use Express Entry. These are the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Candidates for these programs are judged using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which takes into account things like age, education, work experience, language skills, and occupation. Each applicant is then given an overall CRS number.
