Canada’s Express Entry system has seen significant adjustments over the last two years, leading to new trends and outcomes in 2024. In 2023, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced category-based selection draws, a policy designed to target immigration candidates that align with the country’s economic and demographic objectives. But have these changes led to different results for candidates in 2024? Let’s break down the key statistics comparing Express Entry draws in 2024 to the same period in 2023.
What is Category-Based Selection?
Category-based selection allows IRCC to focus on specific human capital attributes, such as professional experience and language proficiency, rather than relying solely on a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This approach enables Canada to target key industries and skills that meet its labor market needs.
The current categories under this selection system include:
- Healthcare occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) occupations
- Trade occupations
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- French language proficiency
How Many Invitations to Apply (ITAs) Have Been Issued in 2024 Compared to 2023?
As of September 19, 2024, IRCC has issued 84,874 ITAs through Express Entry. By September 20, 2023, that number was slightly lower, at 81,948 ITAs.
It’s important to note that Canada’s federal target for Express Entry immigrants has shifted between the two years. In 2023, IRCC aimed to welcome 82,800 immigrants under the Federal High Skilled stream, while in 2024, the goal increased to 110,770.
How Many Express Entry Draws Have Been Held This Year?
So far in 2024, IRCC has conducted 37 Express Entry draws across nine different categories and streams, with an average draw size of 2,294 ITAs. In comparison, 2023 saw 28 draws by this time, averaging 2,927 ITAs per draw.
July 2024 was a particularly historic month for Express Entry, with IRCC holding nine draws, the highest number in a single month since the system’s inception in 2015.
Which Categories Have Seen the Most Activity in 2024?
There has been a notable increase in Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws since mid-2024. So far this year, there have been six CEC draws and eight PNP draws, compared to zero and four, respectively, in 2023.
The French language proficiency category has also grown in importance. By September 2024, IRCC had held eight draws for French-speaking candidates, compared to just three in the same period in 2023. This aligns with the government’s plan to increase the proportion of French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec from 6% in 2024 to 8% by 2026.
These trends demonstrate Canada’s ongoing efforts to fine-tune its immigration strategy to meet evolving labor market needs and demographic goals. The increased emphasis on domestic draws and French-speaking immigrants reflects the country’s commitment to a diversified and inclusive immigration system.