General Express Entry Draw invites applicants

Canada's immigration landscape continues to evolve as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently extended invitations to apply for permanent residence (PR) through the Express Entry system. In the latest draw, 1,470 candidates from all Express Entry programs were selected, each meeting a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 534. This draw follows several others in February, including targeted ones for healthcare and agriculture occupations.

The Key Highlights of the Draw –

•    ITA – 1470
•    CRS- 534

Notably, IRCC implemented category-based selection rounds in May 2023, introducing six specific categories for Express Entry draws. These include 

•    healthcare, 
•    STEM professions,
•    trades, 
•    transport, 
•    agriculture, 
•    strong French proficiency.

Despite previous discussions about potential updates to these categories, IRCC confirmed that they will remain unchanged in 2024. The selection of these categories stemmed from consultations with various stakeholders, including provincial governments, settlement services, and Canadian businesses.

Summary of the Express Entry Draw 2024

What is the Express Entry Program?

Express Entry serves as a streamlined immigration application management system, expediting the processing of economic immigration candidates across three main programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. 

Candidates are assessed based on human capital attributes like occupation, education, language skills, work experience, and age, with higher scores increasing the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply for PR status.

Moreover, candidates receiving a nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) can earn an additional 600 CRS points, significantly enhancing their chances of receiving an ITA in subsequent draws. Once an ITA is received, candidates have 60 days to submit their final PR application to IRCC.

Looking ahead, IRCC's Immigration Levels Plan outlines ambitious targets for PR admissions through Express Entry. In 2024, the department aims to welcome 110,770 new PRs, a substantial increase from the previous year's target of 82,880. This upward trend is expected to stabilize in 2025 and 2026, with an estimated intake of 117,500 newcomers annually.

Furthermore, starting in 2025, Canada's allocation for new permanent residents through the PNP is set to rise to 120,000, solidifying provincial pathways as the primary route for welcoming new economic immigrants. This shift reflects Canada's commitment to strategic immigration policies that address labor market needs while promoting regional economic growth and diversity.

In conclusion, Canada's Express Entry system remains a cornerstone of its immigration strategy, facilitating the arrival of skilled workers and contributing to the country's social and economic development. As IRCC continues to refine its selection processes and adapt to evolving priorities, prospective immigrants can anticipate ongoing opportunities to pursue their dreams of settling in Canada