IRCC Conducts Second Express Entry Draw in 2024

In the most recent Express Entry draw conducted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), 1,040 candidates were issued invitations. This draw was the second one in 2024, and candidates needed to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 543 to be considered eligible for an Invitation to Apply (ITA). 

The Key Highlights of the Draw

•   ITA – 1040
•   CRS score - 543

The previous draw on January 10 had invited 1,510 candidates, and they required a slightly higher minimum CRS score of 546.

The beginning of 2024 continues the trend of Express Entry draws that commenced in December of the previous year. In December 2023, IRCC conducted seven separate draws, including two all-program draws and five category-based selection draws. These category-based selection draws were designed for Express Entry candidates who met specific criteria, such as French language proficiency or occupations in trades, transport, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), agriculture, and agri-food.

Throughout 2023, IRCC conducted a total of 42 Express Entry draws. Among these,
•   19 were all-program draws (now referred to as general draws), 
•   17 were category-based selection draws held between late June and December, 
•   five draws exclusively considered Express Entry candidates nominated through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). 
•   Additionally, there was one draw exclusively for Federal Skilled Worker candidates.

What is the predication for Express Entry Draws in 2024?

Predicting the exact trajectory of Express Entry draws in 2024 has become challenging. IRCC has moved away from a predictable schedule for draws, making it uncertain when and what type of draws will be held. 

However, the Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026 outlines the department's goal of admitting up to 110,770 new permanent residents to Canada in 2024. To meet the 2025 admissions target of 117,500, IRCC will need to issue enough Invitations to Apply (ITAs) throughout 2024. 

This is particularly crucial as the processing of an Express Entry application can take up to six months.

Summary of the Express Entry Draws in 2024

What is Express Entry Program?

Express Entry is an application management system introduced in 2015 to expedite the processing of applications for economic immigration candidates in three key programs: 

• the Federal Skilled Worker Program, 
• the Canadian Experience Class, 
• the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

The system uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to evaluate candidates based on various human capital attributes, including occupation, education, language proficiency, work experience, and age. Candidates with the highest CRS scores are more likely to receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent resident status in Canada.

In May 2023, IRCC introduced category-based selection rounds of invitations for candidates who met specific criteria in one of six new Express Entry draw categories:

• Healthcare occupations
• Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
• Trades occupations, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
• Transport occupations
• Agriculture and agri-food occupations
• Strong French proficiency

To be considered, candidates with these attributes must be in the Express Entry application pool under one of the three Express Entry-managed programs.

Furthermore, Express Entry candidates who receive a nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) gain a significant advantage, as this grants them an additional 600 CRS points. This virtually ensures their receipt of an ITA in a subsequent draw.
Once an Express Entry candidate receives an ITA, they have 60 days to submit their final application for permanent resident status to IRCC. This final step is a crucial part of their journey towards becoming Canadian permanent residents.