Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has once again extended invitations to apply (ITAs) in its Latest All-Program Express Entry Draw. This draw on December 18 saw a total of 1,325 candidates receiving invitations.
Minimum CRS Score and Recent Draws
Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 542 to be eligible for an ITA in this draw. This draw follows closely on the heels of the December 8 draw, where 5,900 candidates received ITAs with a minimum CRS of 481. This draw was specific to candidates in STEM occupations. Additionally, on December 7, a category-based draw for individuals with French language proficiency saw 1,000 candidates invited with a minimum CRS of 470.
Recent Pause and Draw Details
Interestingly, there was a temporary pause in draws before the December 6 draw, where 4,750 candidates with a minimum CRS of 561 were invited. The pause occurred after a category-based selection draw for candidates in healthcare occupations on October 26. IRCC attributed the pause to an IT issue with the Express Entry profile builder, which was later resolved.
Possible Reasons for Draw Delays
IRCC did not officially specify the reasons for the temporary pause, but potential factors could include meeting targets for Express Entry candidates, IT issues, staffing changes, or updates to the Comprehensive Ranking System. Such delays are not uncommon, and IRCC typically resumes draws once any underlying issues are resolved.
Express Entry Draws Since June 2023
Here’s a summary of Express Entry draws since June 2023:
- Dec 18: All-program – 1,325 ITAs, Minimum CRS 542
- Dec 8: STEM Occupations – 5,900 ITAs, Minimum CRS 481
- Dec 7: French Language Proficiency – 1,000 ITAs, Minimum CRS 470
- Dec 6: All-program – 4,750 ITAs, Minimum CRS 561
- Oct 26: Healthcare Occupations – 3,600 ITAs, Minimum CRS 431
Express Entry System Overview
Express Entry is a system managing applications for three key economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). The Comprehensive Ranking System evaluates candidates based on factors like work experience, language ability, education, age, and occupation. Candidates with the highest CRS scores are more likely to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in upcoming draws.
Category-Based Selection
Introduced in May, category-based selection rounds focus on candidates with specific, in-demand attributes. These categories include healthcare, STEM professions, trades, transport, agriculture, and agri-food. Such rounds aim to strengthen Canada’s workforce and economy.
Over the next three years, Canada plans to admit up to 114,000 new permanent residents annually through Express Entry by 2025. Express Entry continues to evolve, candidates can anticipate ongoing draws and opportunities for immigration to Canada based on their unique skills and attributes.
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