IRCC Issues 3,000 Invitations in Latest Express Entry Draw for Canadian Experience Class Candidates

IRCC issued 3,000 Invitations to Apply in an Express Entry draw for Canadian Experience Class candidates. This marks the first CEC-specific draw since September 2021 with a minimum CRS score of 522.

In a notable move, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in its latest Express Entry draw. This program-specific draw targeted candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 522.

This draw is the 2nd of the week, following a program-specific draw on May 30 that invited Express Entry candidates with nominations through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This week's activities mark the first program-specific draws since the introduction of category-based selection in May 2023.

Learn about the CRS score and ITAs for the Express entry draw conducted in the PNP category: IRCC Issued 2,985 ITA’s in the Largest Express Entry PNP Draw

Return of CEC-Specific Draws

This is the first draw specifically for CEC candidates since September 14, 2021, and it featured the lowest CRS score of the year for a non-category-based selection draw. Many CEC and PNP candidates are already living and working in Canada as temporary residents. These draws align with IRCC's recently announced commitment to hold more "domestic draws," aimed at transitioning more temporary residents to permanent status and reducing the overall number of temporary residents in the country.

Program-specific draws consider only candidates from the Express Entry pool who have applied through a specific permanent residency program. This is in contrast to general draws, which invite applicants from all programs.

Recent Pause in Draws

The May 30 draw was the first Express Entry draw since April 24, following a month-long pause. While IRCC has not provided a reason for this pause, a recent Access to Information Request revealed that:

• All draws this year are on a predetermined schedule, which has not been made public.
• Draw size and frequency will depend on admission targets for 2024 and 2025, as well as processing capacity.

Know Everything About Express Entry & PNP in Canada!

April Draws Overview

Before the pause in draws, there were 4 draws in April.

• The first, on April 10, invited 1,280 candidates in a general draw.
• The following day, IRCC issued 4,500 ITAs in a category-based selection draw for STEM occupations.
• Additional draws took place on April 23 and 24, inviting 2,095 and 1,400 candidates, respectively, in general and French proficiency category-based draws.

Future of Category-Based Selection Draws

According to the Access to Information Request, French proficiency is expected to lead category-based selection draws in 2024 due to the high employment rate for bilingual candidates and their generally higher CRS scores.

• STEM occupations will follow, accounting for 25% of ITAs
• Healthcare occupations at 15%
• Transport, trades, and agriculture and agri-food categories will make up 5% or less of all ITAs issued this year.
• The remaining 21.5% of ITAs will be issued in general draws, with no mention of program-specific draws.

Summary of the Latest Express Entry Draw Results 2024

Immigrate to Canada With GetGIS

GetGIS offers a streamlined pathway for immigrating to Canada, leveraging the latest Express Entry draws and program-specific selections. Recent IRCC activities, including draws for the CEC and PNP, reflect a commitment to helping temporary residents transition to permanent status.

With expertise in navigating the CRS and understanding category-based selection, GetGIS can assist candidates in maximizing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), whether through general draws or targeted categories such as healthcare, STEM, or French proficiency.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the significance of program-specific draws in the Express Entry system?

Program-specific draws focus on candidates from specific immigration programs, such as the CEC or PNP, rather than inviting candidates from all programs. This allows IRCC to target certain groups of applicants to meet specific labor market needs and policy goals.

Q2. How does a candidate improve their CRS score to increase their chances of receiving an ITA?

Candidates can improve their CRS score by enhancing their language proficiency, gaining additional work experience, obtaining higher education credentials, or securing a job offer from a Canadian employer. They can also explore PNPs, which add significant points to their overall score.

Q3. Why did IRCC pause Express Entry draws?

IRCC paused Express Entry draws to align with a predetermined schedule and to manage admissions targets for 2024 and 2025. Moving forward, candidates can expect draws to occur based on this schedule, with the size and frequency influenced by processing capacity and policy goals.

Q4. What is the impact of the recent changes in the Express Entry system on temporary residents in Canada?

The recent changes, including more program-specific draws for CEC and PNP candidates, benefit temporary residents in Canada by providing them with more opportunities to transition to permanent residency. This helps reduce the overall number of temporary residents and supports their long-term integration into Canadian society.

Q5. How frequently are Express Entry draws conducted, and what factors influence this?

Express Entry draws are typically conducted every few weeks, but the frequency can vary based on IRCC’s admission targets, processing capacity, and specific immigration goals. The timing and size of draws are influenced by the annual immigration levels plan and the current needs of the Canadian labor market.