Canada’s immigration system has seen dynamic shifts in the Express Entry pool in recent months, reflecting key priorities for targeted immigration.
Key Trends in December Express Entry Draws
The first two Express Entry draws of December continued the patterns observed in recent months, prioritizing candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and those with strong French language proficiency. This focus aligns with Canada’s broader immigration strategies under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Recap of November’s Express Entry Draws
In November, six Express Entry draws were held, issuing a total of 5,507 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). These draws highlighted candidates in three main categories:
- Healthcare Occupations: The largest single draw of the month issued 3,000 ITAs to healthcare candidates, marking the first healthcare-specific draw since July.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Two draws targeted CEC candidates, issuing a total of 800 ITAs.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Two draws issued invitations to 907 PNP candidates.
Additionally, French-language proficiency was a key focus, with 800 ITAs issued in a dedicated draw.
November Draw Breakdown:
| Draw Number | Date | Draw Type | Invitations Issued | CRS Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 327 | Nov 20, 2024 | Healthcare Occupations | 3,000 | 463 |
| 326 | Nov 19, 2024 | Canadian Experience Class | 400 | 539 |
| 325 | Nov 18, 2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 174 | 816 |
| 324 | Nov 15, 2024 | French Language Proficiency | 800 | 478 |
| 323 | Nov 13, 2024 | Canadian Experience Class | 400 | 547 |
| 322 | Nov 12, 2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 733 | 812 |
Current Pool Composition as of December 1
The Express Entry pool comprises 218,490 candidates distributed across Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score ranges:
- Scores 451-500: 37,814 candidates
- Scores 401-450: 58,490 candidates
- Scores below 400: 78,504 candidates
Strategic Priorities Moving Forward
IRCC’s current strategy heavily emphasizes healthcare, trades, and French-speaking candidates. These priorities, combined with consistent PNP and CEC draws, aim to meet Canada’s economic and demographic needs as outlined in the 2025 Immigration Levels Plan.
Express Entry continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Canada’s immigration landscape, offering opportunities for skilled workers to contribute to the country’s growth and diversity.