Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently concluded its third Express Entry draw of the week, issuing 3,600 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a category-based selection draw specifically targeting healthcare occupations. Candidates were required to meet a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 431 for consideration.
This recent draw is part of a series of Express Entry invitations held this month. On October 24, IRCC organized a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-only draw, inviting 1,548 candidates with a minimum CRS of 776 to apply. The PNP candidates typically receive an additional 600 CRS points, resulting in the higher cut-off score.
Another draw, held on October 25, invited 300 candidates showcasing French-speaking proficiency with a minimum CRS score requirement of 486.
The Express Entry draw history since June 2023 reflects various category-based selections, including those focusing on agriculture, transportation, STEM professions, and more. These categories were introduced by IRCC as part of a law passed in June 2022, enabling the immigration minister to target candidates based on economic needs and French language promotion.
In a recent update, IRCC announced that as of October 1, 2023, Express Entry candidates are no longer required to undergo an upfront medical examination before submitting their permanent resident applications. While the examination remains mandatory, candidates may submit a blank document, and further instructions will be provided by IRCC later.
Express Entry is a management system governing the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. The system evaluates candidates based on the Comprehensive Ranking System, taking into account various attributes like age, language ability, work experience, occupation, and education.
The introduction of category-based selection has allowed IRCC to target candidates based on specific needs, such as healthcare, STEM professions, trades, transportation, and agriculture and agri-food. The move has resulted in several draws tailored to these categories, granting over 10,000 ITAs since June 2023.
Summary of Express Entry Draws Since June 2023:
Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS
Oct 26 | Healthcare Occupations | 3,600 | 431
Oct 25 | French Language Proficiency | 300 | 486
Oct 24 | PNP-only | 1,548 | 776
Oct 10 | All-Program | 3,725 | 500
Sept 28 | Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations | 600 | 354
Sept 27 | French Language Proficiency | 500 | 472
Sept 26 | All-Program | 3,000 | 504
Sept 20 | Transport Occupations | 1,000 | 435
Sept 19 | All-Program | 3,200 | 531
Aug 15 | All-Program | 4,300 | 496
Aug 3 | Trade Occupations | 1,500 | 388
Aug 2 | French Language Proficiency | 800 | 435
Aug 1 | All-Program | 2,000 | 517
July 12 | French Language Proficiency | 3,800 | 375
July 11 | All-Program | 800 | 505
July 7 | French Language Proficiency | 2,300 | 439
July 6 | Healthcare Occupations | 1,500 | 463
July 5 | STEM Occupations | 500 | 486
July 4 | All-Program | 700 | 511
June 28 | Healthcare Occupations | 500 | 476
June 27 | All-Program | 4,300 | 486
June 8 | All-Program | 4,800 | 486
