IRCC Issued More ITAs in 2024 Compared to 2023: Expert Analysis Report
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It is a notable fact that the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Express Entry System has undergone significant changes over the last couple of years. In 2023 IRCC Canada introduced Category Based Selection Criteria for Express Entry draws - an initiative that permits the immigration department to specifically target candidates to meet the at-point needs and economic requirements of the Canadian nation.
This news report will help you unveil the facts like has these changes actually created an impact on how Express Entry system draws and invites. Let us have a quick glance through the current 2024 year’s data of invites shared so far compared to 2023.
Quick Reads:
- Canada Express Entry Rules Change in 2024
- Express Entry Candidates Witness Higher Median Salary Increments
- Decreasing Canada Immigration Backlog August 2024 Report
- New LMIA Exempted Work Permit For Tech Talent in Canada
Invitations to Apply Issued in 2024 Compared to 2023
In accordance with the latest Express Entry draw that was held on September 19th, 2024 IRCC Canada has issued a total of 84,874 Invitation to Apply (ITAs) comparatively to the time period i.e. by 20 September 2023 IRCC had only issued 81,984 ITAs only.
- It is also worth noting that the federal allocations of landed immigrants for the Express Entry system has witnessed a change from 2023 to 2024.
- Landings from ITAs that were issued under the Express Entry System are also influenced by the Federal High Skilled allocations as per the Immigrations Levels Plan.
- In 2023 IRCC Canada expected to welcome 82,800 immigrants under Express Entry, in comparison to 2024 wherein 110,770 immigrants are expected to be welcomed.
Express Entry Draws 2024 vs 2023
So far IRCC Canada has held 37 Express Entry draws across 9 different categories and streams. The average size of the draws held so far in 2024 is around 2,294. However, this might vary based on the category and stream.
Considering the same time period back in 2023 IRCC has only held 28 draws across 8 categories and streams. However, the average draw size was nearly 2,927 which quite meet and exceed the 2024 average.
The disparity between the draws could also be partly due to the historic July 2024 back-to-back Express Entry draw month where 9 draws were held in one single month making it the first ever in the Express Entry history, since inception in 2015.
Streams or Categories that had the Highest Number of Draws in 2024 vs 2023
The table below summarizes the category-wise data of the number of draws and ITAs issued so far in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
| Category/Stream | Number of Draws so far in 2024 | Number of ITAs Issued so far in 2024 | Number of Draws by 20 Sept 2023 | Number of ITAs Issued by 20 Sept 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations Category | 0 | 0 | 1 | 150 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 6 | 24,800 | 0 | 0 |
| Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3,300 |
| French Language Proficiency Category | 8 | 20,400 | 3 | 6,900 |
| Healthcare Occupations Category | 2 | 7,250 | 2 | 2,000 |
| General (CEC, FSWP, FSTP) | 9 | 14,445 | 0 | 0 |
| No Program Specified (CEC, FSWP, FSTP) | 0 | 0 | 15 | 63,900 |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 8 | 10,554 | 4 | 2,848 |
| STEM Occupations Category | 1 | 4,500 | 1 | 500 |
| Trade Occupations Category | 1 | 1,800 | 1 | 1,500 |
| Transport Occupations Category | 1 | 975 | 1 | 1,000 |
Significant Increase in CEC and PNP draws
- Since May and June 2024 there has been a noticeable surge in Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws through the Express Entry system. This trend follows immigration minister Mark Miller's comment about prioritizing more domestic draws
- While in 2023 no CEC draws were conducted and only 4 PNP draws were held under express entry during the same period in 2024 a total of 6 CEC and 8 PNP draws have been held so far
Rising recognition of French language proficiency category
- The French language proficiency category is gaining increasing attention. In 2023 only 3 draws were held under this category while in 2024 already 8 French category draws have been held so far
- The IRCC aims to increase the share of French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec from 6% in 2024 to 8% by 2026 reflecting a broader strategic focus
CRS Cut-off Scores in 2024 vs 2023
Last but not the least the table below specifies the comparison between the CRS cut-off scores in 2024 vs 2023 for streams that held multiple draws in the said years.
| Category/Stream | Highest CRS Cut-off Score in 2024 (so far) | Lowest CRS Cut-off Score in 2024 (so far) | Highest CRS Cut-off Score in 2023 (by Sept 20) | Lowest CRS Cut-off Score in 2023 (by Sept 20) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| French Language Proficiency Category | 446 | 336 | 439 | 375 |
| Healthcare Occupations Category | 445 | 422 | 476 | 463 |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 739 | 663 | 791 | 691 |
Also Explore: Unlocking Canada PR: Minimum CRS score for Canada PR
Looking For Immigration Opportunities under Express Entry? Seek GetGIS Assistance
Hope the above analysis on the evolving Express Entry trends has been able to drive your understanding of how the changes have impacted the system for Canada Immigration.
If you are also looking for fair and trusted Canada PR assistance, then GetGIS is all you need. From eligibility check, documentation handling, interview preparation, post landing guidance and lot more, our experts are dedicated to providing you with the best of the visa acceptance experience and seamless integration into Canada.
