Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued invitations to apply (ITAs) in the fourth Express Entry draw this month.
The department issued 3,200 ITAs in a category-based selection draw for French language proficiency, requiring a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 420.
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This draw closely follows three others held between July 2-5. On July 2, 920 candidates were invited in a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) only draw, needing a minimum CRS score of 739.
The other two draws were category-based. On July 4, 1,800 ITAs were issued to candidates in trade occupations, and on July 5, 3,750 ITAs went to candidates in healthcare occupations.
July has been notably active for Express Entry draws. IRCC usually holds draws biweekly, averaging two to four per month. The last month to feature four draws was April, while February remains the busiest month of the year with six draws.
French-proficiency draws are projected to account for 30% of ITAs in category-based selection draws this year. So far, IRCC has issued 15,600 ITAs in this category.
Summary of Express Entry Draw Results in 2024
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 8 | French proficiency | 3,200 | 420 |
| July 5 | Healthcare occupations | 3,750 | 445 |
| July 4 | Trade occupations | 1,800 | 436 |
| July 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 920 | 739 |
| June 19 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,499 | 663 |
| May 31 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 522 |
| 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 |
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is IRCC’s application management system for three prominent economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Launched in 2015, it aims to identify immigration candidates with the best potential for integrating into Canada’s workforce and economy.
Each Express Entry program has different eligibility criteria, but all candidates are evaluated using the Comprehensive Ranking System. This system assigns numeric scores based on human capital factors such as age, language ability, education, work experience, and occupation. These scores form an overall CRS score, with higher scores increasing the likelihood of receiving an ITA from IRCC in upcoming draws.
What is Category-Based Selection?
Introduced in 2023, category-based selection draws allow IRCC to target candidates who can fill urgent workforce gaps. The six categories, chosen after extensive consultations with stakeholders and provincial/territorial governments, are:
- Healthcare occupations
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- Trades occupations, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- French-language proficiency
These categories will remain until 2025 and may change to better meet Canada’s labor market demands. Except for French proficiency, candidates need at least six months of relevant work experience in an eligible National Occupation Classification (NOC) code. French-speaking candidates must have language test scores of at least seven in reading, writing, speaking, and listening on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens.
