Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted the third Express Entry draw this week, issuing invitations to apply (ITAs). In this category-based selection, 150 candidates in agriculture and agri-food occupations were invited, necessitating a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 437.
This draw follows two earlier ones this week. The first, a general draw on February 13, invited 1,490 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 535. On February 14, 3,500 candidates received ITAs in a category-based selection draw for healthcare occupations, requiring a minimum CRS score of 422.
Notably, on February 1, a category-based selection draw invited 7,000 candidates with strong French language proficiency, marking the largest draw of the year. January saw three general draws, inviting a total of 3,280 candidates with minimum CRS scores ranging from 546 to 541.
Understanding Category-Based Selection
Introduced in May 2023, category-based selection involves six new categories focusing on specific human capital attributes. One category assesses French language proficiency, while the remaining five are occupation-based:
- Healthcare occupations
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- Trades occupations, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
Eligible candidates with Express Entry program applications in the pool are considered for category-based selection. These categories were identified through consultations with stakeholders to address critical gaps in Canada’s labor force.
IRCC to Continue Current Express Entry Categories in 2024
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has formally announced its decision to persist with the six existing categories eligible for category-based selection in Express Entry draws throughout 2024.
As per an email notification from IRCC, the department states its commitment to selecting candidates with “specific qualifications such as education, work experience, or language skills to address recognized economic needs and priorities.”
This decision signifies a strategic approach to aligning the selection process with the evolving economic landscape and ensuring a targeted and needs-based immigration system in the coming year.
Exploring Express Entry
Express Entry is an application management system for three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. It employs a Comprehensive Ranking System to evaluate candidates based on factors like language ability, work experience, occupation, education, and age.
Candidates with the highest CRS scores are more likely to receive invitations in subsequent draws. Upon receiving an ITA, candidates have 60 days to submit their final applications to IRCC for permanent resident status in Canada.
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