Another Week, Another Draw
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has once again invited new permanent residents to Canada through the Express Entry system. On November 19, 2024, IRCC issued 400 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) pool. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required to receive an ITA in this draw was 539.
This latest draw marks the second consecutive week of Express Entry draws, indicating a sustained momentum in Canada’s immigration plans. The previous week saw a total of 1,933 ITAs issued to candidates in the CEC, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and French-language categories.
Increased Immigration Targets for 2025
IRCC’s latest Immigration Levels Plan outlines ambitious targets for Express Entry immigration in 2025. The department aims to welcome 124,680 new permanent residents through Express Entry, with a significant portion allocated to the In-Canada Experience Class. This category is specifically designed for skilled workers already residing in Canada, particularly those in the CEC pool.
Understanding Express Entry
Express Entry is a streamlined application management system for skilled workers seeking Canadian permanent residency. It manages applications for three primary economic immigration programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For skilled workers who have gained Canadian work experience.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled workers with foreign work experience.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For skilled trades workers.
Candidates are ranked in a pool based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This score considers factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and a provincial nomination.
Key Takeaways from Recent Express Entry Draws
- Strong Demand for Skilled Workers: Consistent draws demonstrate Canada’s ongoing need for skilled workers in various sectors.
- Favorable Conditions for CEC Candidates: The CEC category continues to be a popular choice for many immigrants, as evidenced by the frequent draws and relatively lower CRS score requirements.
- Importance of Provincial Nominations: Provincial nominations can significantly boost a candidate’s CRS score, increasing their chances of receiving an ITA.
- Language Proficiency: French-language proficiency can also be a significant advantage in Express Entry.
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 19 | Canadian Experience Class | 400 | 539 |
| November 18 | Provincial Nominee Program | 174 | 816 |
| November 15 | French language proficiency | 800 | 478 |
| November 13 | Canadian Experience Class | 400 | 547 |
| November 12 | Provincial Nominee Program | 733 | 812 |
| October 23 | Trade occupations | 1,800 | 433 |
| October 22 | Canadian Experience Class | 400 | 539 |
| October 21 | Provincial Nominee Program | 648 | 791 |
| October 10 | French language proficiency | 1,000 | 444 |
| October 9 | Canadian Experience Class | 500 | 539 |
| October 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,613 | 743 |
| September 19 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 509 |
| September 13 | French language proficiency | 1,000 | 446 |
| September 9 | Provincial Nominee Program | 911 | 732 |
| August 27 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,300 | 507 |
| August 26 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,121 | 694 |
| August 15 | French language proficiency | 2,000 | 394 |
| August 14 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,200 | 509 |
| August 13 | Provincial Nominee Program | 763 | 690 |
| July 31 | Canadian Experience Class | 5,000 | 510 |
| July 30 | Provincial Nominee Program | 964 | 686 |
| July 18 | French language proficiency | 1,800 | 400 |
| July 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 6,300 | 515 |
| July 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,391 | 670 |
| July 8 | French proficiency | 3,200 | 420 |
| July 5 | Healthcare occupations | 3,750 | 445 |
| July 4 | Trade occupations | 1,800 | 436 |
| July 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 920 | 739 |
| June 19 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,499 | 663 |
| May 31 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 522 |
| May 30 | Provincial Nominee Program | 2,985 | 676 |
| April 24 | French proficiency | 1,400 | 410 |
| April 23 | General | 2,095 | 529 |
| April 11 | STEM occupations | 4,500 | 491 |
| April 10 | General | 1,280 | 549 |
| March 26 | French language proficiency | 1,500 | 388 |
| 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 |
