Recent trends in Canadian immigration reveal that Express Entry candidates eligible for category-based selection draws have a higher likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) even with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score below 500.
The CRS score, a value based on factors such as work experience, education, and language proficiency, plays a significant role in determining whether a candidate is invited to apply for permanent residence. In general Express Entry draws, only candidates with scores above a specific cut-off receive ITAs, with no general draw in 2024 having a cut-off score below 524.
However, category-based selection draws in 2024 offer a more accessible pathway, with lower CRS cut-off scores. The lowest CRS score for category-based draws this year has been 336, specifically in French language proficiency categories. Other notable draws include the Healthcare and Agriculture sectors, which had cut-off scores of 422 and 437, respectively.
With IRCC placing a focus on industries such as healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture, candidates with at least six months of continuous work experience in these fields over the last three years may benefit from these targeted draws. Additionally, those with French language proficiency are seeing a significant portion of ITAs through category-based selections.
For candidates with CRS scores hovering around 500, category-based selection offers a promising opportunity to secure Canadian permanent residence without needing to meet the high cut-off scores of general draws.
If you meet the criteria for any of the designated categories, including healthcare, STEM, or French language proficiency, exploring category-based draws could improve your chances of success in the Express Entry system.