IRCC ‘s New Express Entry Draw invites 2,095 ITAs

In the latest draw of 23 April, 2024 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), 2,095 invitations to apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates in the Express Entry system. To be eligible for the draw the candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 529. This draw was the third of its kind draw for April after following previous draws on April 10 and 11.

The key Highlights of the Draw –

•    ITA - 2095
•    CRS Score - 529

The April 10 draw was a general invitation and it saw 1,280 candidates selected with a higher minimum CRS score of 549. This notable increase from the previous month's draw on March 25, where candidates needed a minimum score of 524 and it has reflected a heightened competition for selection.

Additionally, April witnessed the inaugural draw of the year for Express Entry candidates eligible under STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) occupations. In this specialized draw the IRCC extended invitations to 4,500 candidates meeting a minimum CRS score of 491 and showcasing the government's focus on attracting skilled professionals in key fields.

The Summary of Express Entry Draws – 2024

What is the Category Based Express Entry draws?

 The Category-based selection for the express entry draws was introduced in May 2023. It is a method employed by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) where the  Express Entry candidates  are targeted who possess qualities of a  highly sought-after profession or skill. These attributes include language proficiency and occupation. After consultations with various stakeholders and different meeting, the final categories which are most sought after were determined.

These categories are – 

• Healthcare, 
• STEM professions,
• Trades, 
• Transport, 
• Agriculture, and agri-food occupations, 
• Strong French proficiency.

Candidates within occupation-based categories must demonstrate at least six months of continuous full-time work experience in an eligible occupation over the past three years. Similarly, those eligible under the French proficiency category must achieve a minimum score of 7 in all four language abilities on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens.

What is the Express Entry Program?

Express Entry serves as the application management system for economic immigration candidates applying for programs. There are three subcategories under  this program – 

• The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), 
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC), 
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). 

 The eligible candidates  can submit profiles to the IRCC website and receive scores based on factors like age, language ability, education, work experience, and occupation. These scores contribute to a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and those applicants with higher scores  are selected for the Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent resident status in Canada. Upon receiving an ITA, candidates submit their final applications to IRCC for processing, which typically aims to complete within six months.