IRCC ‘s third Express Entry draw of the week invited 2,000 candidates 

IRCC recently announced its third Express entry draw of  the week and  has issued  2000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). In the latest draw the Canadian government has targetted candidates with French language proficiency. In this category-based selection draw 2,000 candidates were invited to apply for permanent residence but they will be selected only when  they have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 394. This marks the third draw by IRCC within a single week and  highlights the department's active approach to managing immigration targets.

The Key Highlights of the Draw-

•    ITA - 2000
•    CRS score – 394
 
The Draw Week

The week began with a draw on August 13 in which 763 candidates  got selected under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)  and have received ITAs. The selection required the applicants to have a minimum CRS score of 690. This was followed by a program-specific draw on August 14 for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates, where 3,200 invitations were issued. The rapid succession of these draws demonstrates IRCC's commitment to both international and domestic candidates in the immigration process.
 
The month of  August saw IRCC following the pattern of July 2024  which was the most active month in the history of the Express Entry system since its inception in 2015. This month was  a sharp contrast to June, which saw only one draw. Of the nine draws in July there were four category-based and they have targeted candidates with specific skills or qualifications. Notably, two of these focused on candidates with French language proficiency, with the lowest CRS score of 400 observed on July 18.

The other two category-based draws in July targeted candidates in healthcare and trade occupations and they reflected Canada's ongoing need for skilled workers in these critical sectors. The remaining five draws in July included two program-specific draws for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and three for PNP candidates, with the highest CRS score of 739 observed on July 2 for PNP candidates.

Category Based Selections in the Express Entry Draws 

IRCC's recent focus on program-specific draws has come after a year dominated by category-based selections and general draws, aligns with its broader strategy. The department has expressed its intention to prioritize domestic candidates already residing in Canada for permanent residency. This strategy is part of a broader effort to reduce the number of temporary residents while striving to meet permanent resident admission targets, reflecting a balanced approach to immigration that supports both economic needs and population growth.

Summary of the Express Entry Draw 2024
 

What is the Express Entry program?

The Express Entry system was launched in 2015 after which the skilled foreign workers can immigrate to Canada in the swiftest way possible i.e within six months. There are three sub streams in Express entry Program the candidate can use any of these streams to relocate. These sub streams are – Federal Skilled Workers Program ( FSWP), Canadian Experience Class(CEC) and Federal Skilled Traders  Program ( FSTP). In May 2023 there were category based selection draws which were announced that helps the applicants to get selected faster if their occupation is in high demand in Canada.