Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 3,750 invitations to apply (ITAs) in the third Express Entry draw this week. This draw focused on healthcare occupations, with candidates needing a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 445 to qualify.
This was the second category-based draw of the week. The first, held on July 4, invited 1,800 candidates in trade occupations. Earlier, on July 2, a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw invited 920 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 739.
Overall, 6,470 ITAs were issued this week, the highest number since April. Since May 30, IRCC has conducted four program-specific draws, three of which were for PNP candidates.
Program-specific draws target candidates in Express Entry programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). PNP-only draws consider candidates nominated through an Express Entry-aligned PNP stream, known as enhanced nomination.
Since January, IRCC has focused on stabilizing the high number of temporary residents in Canada by offering more pathways to permanent residence (PR) for those on work or study permits or visitor visas. Many temporary residents applying for PR do so through the CEC or PNP, helping IRCC meet its Federal High Skilled Workers target while reducing temporary residents.
Summary of Express Entry Draw Results in 2024
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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?
Introduced in 2015, Express Entry is a system used by IRCC to manage applications from the FSWP, FSTP, and CEC. It uses the CRS to evaluate candidates based on factors like age, work experience, language ability, and occupation. Higher CRS scores increase the chances of receiving an ITA.
Express Entry draws can be general, program-specific, or category-based. General draws consider all candidates, while program-specific draws target specific Express Entry programs.
What is Category-Based Selection?
Introduced in 2023, category-based selection draws focus on candidates with specific attributes needed in Canada’s workforce or to boost the French-speaking population. The six categories are:
- Healthcare occupations
- STEM professions
- Trades occupations
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- French-language proficiency
These draws often have lower CRS scores compared to general draws.
For a free Express Entry assessment, contact Skynet Immigration.
