Express Entry Category-Based Selection: A New Path for Canadian Immigration in 2024
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The 2024 category-based Express Entry draws feature lower CRS cut-offs, offering a more accessible path to Canadian permanent residence for eligible candidates. Those with CRS scores below 500, particularly in targeted industries or with specific language skills, stand to benefit the most.
Recent patterns in Canada's Express Entry system indicate a promising trend for candidates eligible for category-based selection draws. These candidates are increasingly likely to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence even if their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is below 500.
CRS scores, assigned based on a candidate’s human capital factors, play a crucial role in determining the cut-off score for each draw. The cut-off score represents the lowest CRS score among candidates who received an ITA in a given draw. This score is critical because no candidate with a CRS score below the determined cut-off will be considered for an ITA in that specific draw.
Also Read About the Recent Changes to Express Entry Draws: Changes to Express Entry in 2024: A Comparative Analysis of ITAs!
High CRS Cut-Off Scores in 2024
In 2024, the CRS cut-off scores were notably high, causing concern among many immigration candidates. Thus far, there has not been a general Express Entry draw with a minimum CRS score below 524. This contrasts sharply with the previous year, where 17 out of 25 non-category-based draws had cut-off scores below 518, with 6 of these draws having cut-offs between 500 and 517 and 11 draws with cut-offs under 496.
Category-Based Selection Draws: A More Accessible Option
The category-based selection draws introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2024 offer a more accessible option for candidates. These draws have consistently lower CRS cut-offs compared to general draws. IRCC has conducted eight category-based draws this year, each with a CRS cut-off at least 33 points lower than those of general draws.
The category-based draws in 2024 have shown the following minimum CRS scores:
| Date | Draw Category | Minimum CRS |
|---|---|---|
| February 1 | French Language Proficiency | 365 |
| February 14 | Healthcare | 422 |
| February 16 | Agriculture and Agri-Food | 437 |
| February 29 | French Language Proficiency | 336 |
| March 13 | Transport | 430 |
| March 26 | French Language Proficiency | 338 |
| April 11 | Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) | 491 |
| April 24 | French Language Proficiency | 410 |
Read Here About the Latest Draw: IRCC Issues 3,000 Invitations in Latest Express Entry Draw for Canadian Experience Class Candidates!
To know more about what is Express Entry category based selection, read this blog - What is Canada Category-Based Selection & How Does it Work?
For candidates looking to increase their CRS scores, several strategies can be employed! Read the blog to unlock all of them!
Plan Your Canada Immigration With GetGIS
Navigating the path to Canadian permanent residence has become more accessible with the 2024 category-based Express Entry draws, which feature lower CRS cut-offs. With GetGIS, you can explore your eligibility for these draws, particularly if you have expertise in targeted industries or proficiency in French.
Comprehensive services of GetGIS will help you maximize your CRS score and enhance your chances of receiving an ITA. Let GetGIS guide you through the process and help you achieve your immigration goals efficiently.
