The latest Express Entry draw has seen invitations to apply (ITAs) being issued by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The department has extended invitations to 1,490 candidates in a general draw.
Applicants must achieve a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 535.
So far in 2024, IRCC has conducted a total of five draws. The initial draw took place on January 10, where a total of 1,510 candidates were invited. These candidates had a minimum CRS score of 546 in a general draw.
The following two draws were also general. In January, the department extended invitations to 1,040 candidates who had a minimum CRS of 543, and on January 31, they invited 730 candidates with a minimum score of 541.
A significant event occurred on February 1, where 7,000 candidates were invited in a category-based selection draw for Express Entry candidates with proficiency in French.
Express Entry programs now accept a new language test.
Starting from January 30, the IRCC has begun accepting the Pearson Test of English Core (PTE) for all immigration streams, except the Student Direct Stream.
Express Entry candidates now have an additional choice for English language testing when they upload their profile to the IRCC website.
Applicants are required to achieve a specific Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score, which varies depending on the Express Entry managed program they are interested in. The CLB is used by IRCC to assess a candidate’s language proficiency in four areas: reading, speaking, listening, and writing.
It is important to note that candidates applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program are required to achieve a minimum CLB of 7 in all categories.
For candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), a score of 7 is necessary if their occupation belongs to a National Occupation Classification TEER category of 0 or 1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Applicants whose occupation falls under NOC TEER category 2 or 3 must achieve a minimum CLB 5 score.
Applicants to the Federal Skilled Trades Program must meet specific language requirements. They should have a minimum CLB level of 5 for speaking and listening, and a level 4 for reading and writing.
Express Entry candidates have the option to submit their English language test results to IRCC through the PTE. Last year, the department proudly announced its approval. Applicants also have the option of taking the CELPIP General or IELTS General Training exams to obtain their CLB score in English.
Express Entry is a comprehensive application management system that oversees three economic immigration programs for skilled workers: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
These programs utilize the Comprehensive Ranking System to assess candidates according to their human capital factors, including language proficiency, work history, occupation, education, and age. Factors are given scores, which are then combined to calculate a candidate’s overall CRS score.
In May 2023, the IRCC implemented category-based selection rounds of invitations, expanding the options available to applicants. The department has introduced six new categories that focus on specific human capital attributes. There is a category available for individuals who can showcase their fluency in French. The remaining five categories are occupation-based for individuals seeking assistance in their specific fields.
- Healthcare occupations
- Professions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
- Trades occupations, like carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Jobs in the transportation industry
- Occupations in agriculture and agri-food
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements for an Express Entry program and have their application in the pool through one of the three programs to be considered for category-based selection.
