Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the third Express Entry draw of the week today, inviting 5,900 candidates with professional experience in STEM occupations to apply for permanent residency. This category-based selection draw had a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 481.
This week’s Express Entry activity marks a significant shift after a month-long pause. The last draw, aimed at healthcare professionals, occurred on October 26th, 2023, inviting 3,600 applicants with a minimum CRS score of 431.
Prior to the hiatus, IRCC held a series of category-based draws targeting various in-demand skills and sectors:
- French Language Proficiency: December 7th (1,000 ITAs, CRS 470), October 25th (300 ITAs, CRS 486), July 12th (3,800 ITAs, CRS 375), July 7th (2,300 ITAs, CRS 439), August 2nd (800 ITAs, CRS 435).
- Healthcare Occupations: June 28th (500 ITAs, CRS 476), July 6th (1,500 ITAs, CRS 463).
- Transport Occupations: September 20th (1,000 ITAs, CRS 435).
- Trade Occupations: August 3rd (1,500 ITAs, CRS 388).
These category-based draws aim to address specific labor shortages across key sectors like healthcare, STEM, and trades. They complement the existing all-program draws, which invite candidates from all eligible occupations.
In addition to the STEM-specific draw today, IRCC issued ITAs to 4,750 candidates in an all-program draw on December 6th, requiring a minimum CRS score of 561.
Further details:
- Category-based selection: Announced in May 2023, this initiative allows IRCC to target specific occupations and skills in Express Entry draws. This strategy aims to address critical labor shortages and contribute to Canada’s economic growth.
- Express Entry: This system manages applications for permanent residency under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Candidates are ranked based on their human capital attributes using the CRS.
- Minimum CRS score: The score required to be invited to apply varies depending on the draw and the targeted category.
- Invitation to Apply (ITA): Candidates receiving an ITA have 60 days to submit their final application for permanent residency.
- Processing times: IRCC aims to process all Express Entry applications within six months.
This week’s draws demonstrate IRCC’s continued commitment to attracting skilled immigrants who contribute to Canada’s economic prosperity. The emphasis on in-demand skills through category-based selection is expected to continue in future express entry draw, providing opportunities for skilled professionals to immigrate to Canada.
