Express Entry Draw invites CEC applicants

In the latest Express Entry Draw by the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)  the invitations to apply (ITAs)  were sent to 5,000 candidates and the draws focused exclusively on the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). To qualify for the program  the candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 510.

The Key Highlights of the Draw –

•    ITA –  5000
•    CRS Score -  510

The  Express Entry Draw – 31 July 

The new Express Entry draw marks the ninth Express Entry draw in an already active July. With  the latest draw  of the IRCC the number of applications that have been issued have reached a   total of 25,125 ITAs throughout the month. The draws have alternated between program-specific draws and this includes CEC and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants and category-based selection draws.
Category-based draws have seen a significant focus on candidates demonstrating French language proficiency, with 5,000 ITAs issued over two draws. On July 5, IRCC issued 3,750 ITAs to healthcare candidates, and on July 4, 1,800 ITAs were given to candidates in trade occupations.

Program-specific draws have been particularly prominent this month. By July 31, IRCC had invited 11,300 Canadian Experience Class candidates and 3,275 Provincial Nominee Program candidates. Candidates in these programs typically already reside and work in Canada as temporary residents. This focus on program-specific draws resumed on May 30, following a year-long hiatus, aligning with IRCC's previously announced strategy to increase domestic draws.

In March, IRCC introduced a new objective aimed at reducing and stabilizing the number of temporary residents in Canada while also achieving its permanent resident targets as set out in the Immigration Levels Plan. This dual approach reflects IRCC's broader strategy of managing the immigration system to address both short-term labor market needs and long-term demographic goals.

The resumption of program-specific draws and the emphasis on category-based selections underscore IRCC's commitment to a balanced immigration strategy. This strategy not only supports Canada’s economic needs but also facilitates the transition of temporary residents to permanent status, thereby stabilizing the temporary resident population.

The latest draw and the overall activity in July highlight IRCC’s proactive approach in managing immigration through targeted draws.  In this month of July the IRCC has issues large number of ITAs and focused on specific categories and programs.  IRCC wants to meet its immigration goals while addressing labor market requirements and demographic challenges. The strategic issuance of ITAs, especially to those already in Canada, is a clear indication of IRCC's efforts to streamline the transition from temporary to permanent residency.

Summary of the Express Entry Draw 2024

What is the Express Entry  Program?

The Express entry program is federal system of selection of skilled workers in Canada based on the points achieved by them on the CRS score calculator. The three sub streams of the program that help in applicant selection are – Federal Skilled Workers Program, Federal Skilled Traders program and Canadian Experience class. In May 2023, the IRCC also started the category based selection to meet the requirements of specific industries in Canada.