In a recent Express Entry draw, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 1,499 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency. This draw specifically targeted candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement of 663.
This draw comes after two earlier program-specific draws on May 30 and 31, which focused on candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), issuing a total of 5,985 ITAs. The CEC draw marked the first of its kind since September 2021, reflecting Canada’s commitment to transitioning more temporary residents to permanent residents through domestic draws.
These recent efforts align with Canada’s immigration strategy to address labor shortages and improve economic integration by focusing on specific categories of skilled professionals.
Summary of 2024 Express Entry Draws:
- September 19: Canadian Experience Class — 4,000 ITAs, minimum CRS 509
- September 13: French language proficiency — 1,000 ITAs, minimum CRS 446
- September 9: Provincial Nominee Program — 911 ITAs, minimum CRS 732
- August 27: Canadian Experience Class — 3,300 ITAs, minimum CRS 507
The focus on category-based selection continues, allowing IRCC to prioritize candidates in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, STEM, and trades, alongside those with strong French language proficiency.
Category-based draws are expected to remain a key feature of Canada’s Express Entry system, with healthcare and STEM candidates receiving special attention due to their impact on the labor market.