In its ongoing efforts to manage and facilitate immigration processes, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently conducted a draw within the Express Entry system, extending invitations to apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates. This general draw, held on February 13, 2024, saw a total of 1,490 candidates receiving invitations to apply for various immigration programs under Express Entry.
Minimum CRS Score and Draw History
To be eligible for consideration in this draw, candidates were required to attain a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 535. This draw marks the fifth one held by IRCC in 2024. The initial draw, conducted on January 10, invited 1,510 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 546. Subsequent general draws occurred on January 23 and January 31, wherein 1,040 and 730 candidates were invited, respectively, with minimum CRS scores of 543 and 541. Notably, the largest draw of the year thus far took place on February 1, inviting 7,000 candidates proficient in French under a category-based selection draw.
Introduction of New Language Testing Option
As of January 30, IRCC has expanded its accepted language testing options for Express Entry candidates by including the Pearson Test of English Core (PTE). This addition provides candidates with an alternative for English language testing, alongside the previously accepted CELPIP General or IELTS General Training. Candidates must achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score, varying depending on the Express Entry managed program they are applying for. The CLB evaluates a candidate’s proficiency in reading, speaking, listening, and writing. For instance, candidates applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program must achieve a minimum CLB of 7 in all categories.
Understanding Express Entry
Express Entry serves as an application management system overseeing three economic immigration programs for skilled workers: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. These programs evaluate candidates based on human capital factors such as language ability, work experience, occupation, education, and age, assigning them a CRS score. Once candidates have a CRS score, they are placed into the Express Entry pool and ranked against other applicants. Candidates with higher CRS scores have a greater likelihood of receiving an invitation in subsequent draws.
Category-Based Selection Rounds
In addition to the three main Express Entry programs, IRCC introduced category-based selection rounds in May 2023. These rounds target specific human capital attributes and include categories such as healthcare occupations, STEM professions, trades occupations, transport occupations, and agriculture and agri-food occupations. Candidates eligible for Express Entry programs and with applications in the pool through one of the three programs can be considered for category-based selection.
As Canada continues to refine its immigration processes, Express Entry remains a pivotal system for managing skilled worker immigration, ensuring a streamlined and efficient pathway for eligible candidates to contribute their talents and skills to the country’s workforce and economy.
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