In Canada’s most recent Express Entry lottery, Invitations to Apply (ITAs) have been released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
In a program-specific draw for candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the department distributed 2,985 ITAs.
To be considered, candidates had to receive a minimum of 676 points on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Since the start of category-based selection drawings in June 2023, this was the first Express Entry draw that was specifically for a program. Program-specific draws, as opposed to general draws, which invite applications from all programs, take into account just those candidates from the Express Entry pool who have applied through a particular permanent residency program.
Following a one-month break in drawings, today’s is also the first since April 24.
The IRCC has not provided an explanation for the hold-up. Nonetheless, the government stated in a recent Access to Information Request that this year’s draws will all take place according to a set timetable. That timetable is not publicly available, per IRCC. Additionally, it stated that the size and frequency of draws will be decided by the admissions targets for 2024 and 2025. Draw frequency may also be influenced by processing capacity.
There were four draws in April before to the break. On April 10, 1,280 candidates were invited to the general draw for the first April draw. In a category-based selection draw for STEM vocations, the government awarded 4,500 ITAs to Express Entry hopefuls the next day.
The final two drawings were held on April 23 and 24. The IRCC invited 1,400 candidates to a selection draw based on French proficiency categories on the 24th, and 2,095 candidates to a general draw on the 23rd.
A recent Access to Information Request states that in 2024, competency in French is anticipated to lead category-based selection draws. According to the IRCC, this is because hiring bilingual candidates is quite common. Additionally, according to the department, candidates who speak French well typically score higher on the CRS, increasing their chances of achieving effective economic integration as a whole.
Healthcare vocations will have 15% ITAs, whereas STEM occupations will have 25% ITAs. This year, 5% or less of all ITAs awarded in category-based draws will come from the transportation, trade, agricultural, and agri-food sectors.
There were plans to issue general drawings for the remaining 21.5% of ITAs. Notably, program-specific draws were not mentioned.
An overview of the 2024 Express Entry draw results
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 30 | Provincial Nominee Program | 2,985 | 676 |
| April 24 | French proficiency | 1,400 | 410 |
| April 23 | General | 2,095 | 529 |
| April 11 | STEM occupations | 4,500 | 491 |
| April 10 | General | 1,280 | 549 |
| March 26 | French language proficiency | 1,500 | 388 |
| March 25 | General | 1,980 | 524 |
| March 13 | Transport occupations | 975 | 430 |
| March 12 | General | 2,850 | 525 |
| February 29 | French language proficiency | 2,500 | 336 |
| February 28 | General | 1,470 | 534 |
| February 16 | Agriculture and agri-food occupations | 150 | 437 |
| February 14 | Healthcare occupations | 3,500 | 422 |
| February 13 | General | 1,490 | 535 |
| February 1 | French language proficiency | 7,000 | 365 |
| January 31 | General | 730 | 541 |
| January 23 | General | 1,040 | 543 |
| January 10 | General | 1,510 | 546 |
Express Entry: What Is It?
Three of Canada’s most well-known economic immigration programs are managed by Express Entry, an application management system: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Although the eligibility conditions for each program vary, they are always assessed using the same Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Express Entry candidates receive a point score via the CRS for a number of human capital variables, including age, education, job experience, vocation, language proficiency, and whether or not they are coming with a spouse or partner.
The ultimate CRS score for candidates is calculated by adding each score. The candidates most likely to get an ITA in a future Express Entry draw are those with higher scores.
Additionally, the IRCC implemented category-based selection draws in May 2023 for Express Entry applicants who meet certain language or work experience requirements. The following six categories are:
- Jobs in healthcare
- STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)
- tradespeople in positions like contractors, plumbers, and carpenters
- Jobs in transportation
- Jobs in agriculture and agri-food
- strong command of French
These classifications will not alter in 2025, although they will stay in effect through 2024.
To be considered, candidates for immigration must be in the Express Entry pool and fulfill additional category requirements.