Changes to Express Entry in 2024: A Comparative Analysis of ITAs
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In 2024, Canada's Express Entry system saw changes in ITAs issued compared to 2023, with new category-based selection draws introduced to target specific occupations and skills. Despite fewer ITAs, the changes aim to align with Canada's economic and demographic priorities.
The Express Entry system, Canada's primary pathway for skilled immigrants, has seen substantial modifications in 2024 compared to 2023. Notable changes include enhanced “domestic draws,” regular updates to proof of funds requirements, increased Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores,
Despite the limited number of draws, the IRCC is planning how to alter its policies to increase the number of draws in the upcoming months.
ITAs in the First Half of 2023
In the first 6 months of 2023, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted 13 Express Entry draws, issuing 49,948 ITAs to prospective immigrants. These draws included:
- General Draws covering the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Draws targeting candidates nominated by Canadian provinces.
- FSWP-Specific Draws focused solely on Federal Skilled Worker Program candidates.
- Generic draws without specific program requirements.
ITAs in the First Half of 2024
The first half of 2024 saw IRCC conducting 19 rounds of Express Entry draws, resulting in 41,855 ITAs. The new draw categories introduced in 2024 include:
- General Draws open to all candidates without specific occupational or linguistic requirements.
- French Language Proficiency Draws targeting French-speaking candidates to promote bilingualism.
- Healthcare Occupations Draws focusing on candidates in the healthcare sector.
- Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations Draws for individuals with experience in agriculture and agri-food industries.
- Transport Occupations Draws centred on candidates in transportation-related fields.
- STEM Occupations Draws targeting candidates with qualifications in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
- Provincial Nominee Program Draws for candidates nominated by provinces.
- Canadian Experience Class Draws tailored for candidates with Canadian work experience.
Also Read: Canada's Demand For STEM Skilled Professionals on a Rise
Comparative Analysis: 2023 vs. 2024
There are notable differences between the two years. In the first half of 2023, IRCC issued 49,948 ITAs compared to 41,855 in 2024, marking a decrease in the number of ITAs. The frequency and variety of draws have increased in 2024, reflecting the new category-based selection introduced in late 2023. This shift has influenced the CRS cut-off scores and the composition of the Express Entry pool.
General Draws Comparison
| Draw Details/Year | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| General Draws | 8 | 9 |
| Average ITAs per draw | 5,475 | 1,605 |
| Average CRS cut-off score | 489 | 536 |
The increase in the CRS cut-off score by over 50 points in 2024 underscores the impact of the new draw categories on candidate selection.
Projecting the Future of Express Entry in 2024
Given the decrease of over 7,000 ITAs in the first half of 2024 compared to 2023, it is likely that IRCC is contemplating about adjusting its strategy to meet its enhanced immigration targets.
- The 2024 immigration levels plan allocates 110,770 spots for Express Entry, up from 82,800 in 2023.
- To meet these targets, IRCC may hold more frequent or larger draws in the latter half of 2024.
The changes to the Express Entry system in 2024, particularly the introduction of category-based selection draws, have significantly influenced the number and nature of ITAs issued.
While fewer ITAs were issued in the first half of 2024 compared to 2023, the new draw categories are likely to shape the future composition of immigrants, aligning with Canada’s economic and demographic priorities. As IRCC aims to meet its increased immigration targets, we can expect more dynamic and targeted draws in the remaining months of the year.
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