Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is gearing up for the final round of Express Entry Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for 2024. Based on trends from previous years, an estimated 3,522 ITAs might be issued in December, aligning with the nation’s immigration goals for 2025.
How Are ITAs Estimated?
IRCC issues ITAs to ensure it meets the yearly permanent residence admissions targets outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan. However, there’s a lag between ITAs and actual landings—processing times and logistics often delay the transition from an invitation to permanent residency status.
Historical data from 2021 to 2023 shows that ITAs issued between July and December typically represent 43-46% of the following year’s landing target. Applying this trend to 2024, we can reasonably estimate the December ITAs.
Key Data Points
- 2025 Immigration Target: 124,680 newcomers via Express Entry.
- ITAs Issued (July–November 2024): 52,888, representing 42.42% of next year’s target.
- December Estimate: Based on historical averages, IRCC could issue an additional 3,522 ITAs in December, bringing the total proportion to 45.245% of the 2025 target.
What This Means for Applicants
Candidates in the Express Entry pool should stay prepared as December’s rounds may determine the last wave of opportunities for 2024. While this estimate is grounded in historical trends, the actual numbers could vary based on IRCC’s operational strategies and processing priorities.
Canada continues to focus on achieving its ambitious immigration goals, with Express Entry remaining a key pathway for skilled professionals to secure permanent residency.