In its latest Express Entry draw, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 1,800 invitations to apply (ITAs) specifically for candidates in trade occupations. This category-based selection required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 433 to be eligible.
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This was the first trade-occupation category-based draw since July 4, when IRCC similarly invited 1,800 candidates but with a slightly higher CRS score threshold of 436. Additionally, it was the first draw not focused on French proficiency since the draw on July 5.
Today’s draw also marks the third Express Entry draw within the week. Prior to this, IRCC invited 400 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates on October 22 with a CRS score minimum of 539, and a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on October 21 invited 648 candidates with a CRS score of 791.
In recent months, IRCC has established a pattern of multiple Express Entry draws every second week, often including PNP and CEC-focused draws. This approach underscores IRCC’s commitment to increasing domestic draws, particularly for Express Entry candidates already living and working in Canada as temporary residents. This strategy aligns with the department’s aim to manage the number of temporary residents while also meeting its permanent resident admission targets as outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan.
A new Immigration Levels Plan is anticipated for release by November 1, covering targets from 2025 to 2027. For 2024, the target was set at 110,770 admissions. Although it is yet unconfirmed whether IRCC has achieved this target, applicants who receive an ITA in these later draws of the year are expected to complete their permanent residency processes in 2025, based on IRCC’s six-month service standard for Express Entry application processing.
Overview of Express Entry
Express Entry is Canada’s primary system for managing applications under three major economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). These programs operate under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which evaluates candidates based on essential factors such as age, occupation, education, language skills, and work experience to assess their potential to contribute to Canada’s economy.
Each of these human capital factors receives a score, contributing to the candidate’s total CRS score. Candidates with higher scores are more likely to receive an ITA in upcoming draws. PNP draws typically require higher CRS scores since candidates nominated by provinces receive an additional 600 points. Points can also be awarded to candidates with family in Canada or those immigrating with a spouse or partner.
2024 Express Entry Draw Summary
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 23 | Trade occupations | 1,800 | 433 |
| October 22 | Canadian Experience Class | 400 | 539 |
| October 21 | Provincial Nominee Program | 648 | 791 |
| October 10 | French language proficiency | 1,000 | 444 |
| October 9 | Canadian Experience Class | 500 | 539 |
| October 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,613 | 743 |
| September 19 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 509 |
| September 13 | French language proficiency | 1,000 | 446 |
| September 9 | Provincial Nominee Program | 911 | 732 |
| August 27 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,300 | 507 |
| August 26 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,121 | 694 |
For a complete summary of draws throughout 2024, or to discuss how you can enhance your CRS score for future draws, consider a Free Express Entry Assessment with Skynet Immigration today.
