Date Posted  14-03-2024

WITH TOUIRCC conducts the latest Express Entry Program draw in transport occupation invites 975 applicants

In a recent development, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made significant strides in the Express Entry system, inviting a total of 975 candidates in the first transport occupation draw of 2024. This draw, which occurred as the second event of its kind within a week, signifies a focused effort to address labor shortages within specific sectors of Canada's workforce.

The Key Highlights of the Draw 

• ITA - 975
• CRS -  430

For candidates to qualify for these invitations to apply (ITAs), they needed to meet a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 430. This follows a broader trend of category-based draws, where candidates with attributes tailored to specific in-demand occupations are given priority.

Summary of the Express Entry Draw 2024

Earlier in March, on March 12, IRCC issued 2,850 ITAs in a general draw, setting the minimum CRS at 525. This marked a decrease of nine CRS points from the previous general draw on February 28, indicating a potential shift towards a more inclusive selection approach.

Throughout February, IRCC conducted six draws, showcasing a mix of general and category-based selections. These draws encompassed various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and transportation, underscoring Canada's multifaceted approach to immigration.

What is the category based Express Entry Draw?
The introduction of category-based draws in May 2023 aimed to address labor shortages in critical sectors by targeting candidates with specific skill sets. 
These draws cover six categories, including

• Healthcare, 
• STEM professions, 
• Trades occupations, 
• Strong French proficiency, among others.

Category-based draws often present an advantage for candidates already in the Express Entry pool, as the average CRS scores tend to be lower compared to general draws. For instance, the minimum CRS scores for category-based draws in 2024 ranged from 336 to 437, whereas general draws maintained higher thresholds.