In a noticeable shift from the busy months of August and July, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) scaled back on Express Entry draws throughout September, issuing nearly 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). The focus continues to be on domestic candidates and those with French language proficiency, reflecting the priorities announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller.
Summary of September’s Express Entry Draws
In September, IRCC held three draws, highlighting the ongoing focus on candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), French language proficiency, and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Below is a breakdown of these draws:
| Draw Number | Date | Round Type | ITAs Issued | Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 313 | September 9th, 2024 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 911 | 732 |
| 314 | September 13th, 2024 | French language proficiency | 1,000 | 446 |
| 315 | September 19th, 2024 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 4,000 | 509 |
The trend over the past three months showcases IRCC’s emphasis on domestic immigration, with ITA counts reflecting the department’s strategy. Compared to August and July, September saw fewer ITAs, indicating a more selective approach.
| Month | ITAs issued |
|---|---|
| July | 25,125 |
| August | 10,384 |
| September | 5,911 |
Express Entry Pool Composition as of October
As of the latest draw on September 19th, the composition of the Express Entry pool presents the following CRS score distribution:
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| 0-300 | 5,457 |
| 301-350 | 23,613 |
| 351-400 | 51,137 |
| 401-410 | 10,387 |
| 411-420 | 10,598 |
| 421-430 | 10,102 |
| 431-440 | 11,528 |
| 441-450 | 10,655 |
| 451-460 | 11,035 |
| 461-470 | 12,690 |
| 471-480 | 14,582 |
| 481-490 | 12,110 |
| 491-500 | 11,352 |
| 501-600 | 11,752 |
| 601-1200 | 764 |
This snapshot of the pool provides an understanding of candidate distribution by score, with a substantial number in the mid-300s to 400s range, indicating a competitive environment for higher CRS scores.
Observations and Trends
IRCC’s draw strategies align with Canada’s goals for economic immigration. By prioritizing candidates with French proficiency and those already in Canada, IRCC is strengthening regional and linguistic diversity while supporting the nation’s labor market needs. As we head further into October, applicants can expect these themes to continue as IRCC advances its immigration initiatives.
For those tracking their scores, percentile rankings provide additional insights into the competitiveness of specific score ranges within the Express Entry pool.