Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has issued its third Express Entry draw this week, inviting another 1,800 candidates to apply for permanent residence. The move was unprecedented in its kind. This unprecedented frequency of draws underlines the commitment of Canada in dealing with labor shortages and welcoming skilled professionals into its diversified and growing economy.
Draws in 2024
One of the important strategies for immigration into Canada is the Express Entry system, which looks forward to workers across the world. With a points-based system, Express Entry ensures that only those candidates who can meet the criteria for economic immigration are chosen based on their potential contribution to the economy of Canada. The most recent draw this week is an important step in the country’s effort to have its immigration process faster and to meet its labor market needs.
Details of the Recent Draw
- Date of the draw: 18 July
- Number of Invitations Issued: 1,800
- Minimum CRS Points: 400
- Draw Type: Proficiency in French
This is the second draw within two days and the third this week, indicating a heightened rate of selections that is out of character and remarkable. The fact that the IRCC has held multiple draws within this short time likely denotes that the body is proactive about filling vital positions within Canada’s workforce.
CRS Scores Insight
The CRS score is the most important metric by which the Express Entry system assesses the candidate on the basis of age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. This conveys that the selection process would have been competitive in nature if one had looked at the minimum CRS score required for the recent draw.
Draws of 2024:
| Date | Type of Draw | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
| July 18 | Proficiency in French | 1,800 | 400 |
| July 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 6,300 | 515 |
| July 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,391 | 670 |
| July 8 | French proficiency | 3,200 | 420 |
| July 5 | Healthcare occupations | 3,750 | 445 |
| July 4 | Trade occupations | 1,800 | 436 |
| July 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 920 | 739 |
| June 19 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,499 | 663 |
| May 31 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 522 |
| May 30 | Provincial Nominee Program | 2,985 | 676 |
| April 24 | French proficiency | 1,400 | 410 |
| April 23 | General | 2,095 | 529 |
| April 11 | STEM occupations | 4,500 | 491 |
| April 10 | General | 1,280 | 549 |
| March 26 | French language proficiency | 1,500 | 388 |
| March 25 | General | 1,980 | 524 |
| March 13 | Transport occupations | 975 | 430 |
| March 12 | General | 2,850 | 525 |
| February 29 | French language proficiency | 2,500 | 336 |
| February 28 | General | 1,470 | 534 |
| February 16 | Agriculture and agri-food | 150 | 437 |
| February 14 | Healthcare occupations | 3,500 | 422 |
| February 13 | General | 1,490 | 535 |
| February 1 | French language proficiency | 7,000 | 365 |
| January 31 | General | 730 | 541 |
| January 23 | General | 1,040 | 543 |
| January 10 | General | 1,510 | 546 |
Implications for Candidates
While this more frequent draw is an opportunity to many candidates, it is also a challenge. On the other hand, with the increased number of invites, there are increased chances of securing the ITA for permanent residency. However, this competitive nature of the score calls for a great deal of preparation and understanding of the criteria.
Tips to Improve CRS Scores:
- Improve language ability: Higher marks in language tests like IELTS or CELPIP will maximize your CRS score.
- Get Qualifications: High levels of education, more certifications, improve your score.
- Gain Work Experience: Relevant work experience in high-demand occupations may enhance your CRS score.
- Explore PNPs: The nomination by a province may add a substantial amount of points to one’s CRS score.
The Role of Express Entry in Canada’s Immigration Strategy
At the core of Canada’s immigration policy is the Express Entry system, which looks to admit skilled immigrants who will contribute to its economic growth. With frequent draws and a high intake of candidates, what Canada has signaled clearly is that it is serious about labor gaps and supporting economic development.
Added to this, Express Entry includes family reunification and humanitarian purposes of immigration, which ties into Canada’s general immigration objectives. As such, a more frequent pace of draws is an indication of the fact that the country is quite proactive in managing its immigration needs and making sure its labor market remains well supported.
IRCC issued three Express Entry draws within one week, with each draw inviting 1,800 new candidates. This further supports the fact that Canada takes labor market needs and immigration system development very seriously. For prospective immigrants, this is a prime moment to engage with the Express Entry system and make an effort to achieve a high CRS score in order to increase their chances of receiving an invitation to apply.
It is quite important for candidates in the current scenario to remain updated with regard to the latest developments and be adequately prepared. With Canada adjusting its immigration strategies to economic demands, staying ahead would matter in entering one of the most welcoming countries for skilled professionals.
These very draws show Canada’s commitment to a strong and diverse workforce, welcome skilled professionals across borders, and build an economy that is thoughtful and prosperous for all.
