In a continued effort to streamline the path to permanent residency, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted two significant Express Entry draws in early October 2024. These draws, targeting candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), issued a total of 2,113 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency.
On October 9, 2024, IRCC issued 500 ITAs to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 539 or higher. Just two days prior, on October 7, 2024, an additional 1,613 invitations were sent to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) with a minimum CRS score of 743.
Express Entry Draw #317 Highlights
| Date | Program | Invitations Issued | CRS Cutoff |
| October 9, 2024 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 500 | 539 |
CRS Score Trends in 2024
In 2024, IRCC has focused on specific categories and professions for its targeted Express Entry draws. Here’s an overview of the trends so far:
General/No Program Specified: 9 draws, 14,445 invitations, with an average CRS of 536
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 9 draws, 12,167 invitations, average CRS of 695
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 7 draws, 25,300 invitations, average CRS of 519
French-Speaking Candidates: 8 draws, 20,400 invitations, average CRS of 390
Healthcare Sector: 2 draws, 7,250 invitations, average CRS of 433.5
These trends suggest that categories such as healthcare, technology, and French-speaking candidates have seen significant focus in recent months.
How PNPs Boost Your CRS Score
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are a game-changer for candidates looking to improve their chances of receiving an ITA. Through these programs, participating provinces and territories can nominate individuals who meet specific labor market needs. Nominated candidates automatically receive an additional 600 points toward their CRS score, significantly boosting their chances of securing permanent residency.
For example, a candidate with a CRS score of 143 who receives a provincial nomination will see their score rise to 743—well above the cutoff in most draws, including the October 7 PNP draw.
Knowing the Express Entry Process
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship immigration system, designed to manage applications for permanent residency for skilled workers. Candidates are evaluated based on a points system, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which considers factors such as:
Work experience
Education
Language ability (English/French)
Age
Candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residency through periodic Express Entry draws. It’s important to note that candidates must meet the eligibility criteria of one of Canada’s economic immigration programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Program.
What to Expect in Upcoming Express Entry Draws
With the recent trend of targeted draws, IRCC will likely continue focusing on specific sectors and categories that align with Canada’s economic needs. Professions in healthcare, technology, agriculture, and French-speaking candidates have been given priority in 2024, and we can expect more category-based draws as the year progresses.
Candidates who did not receive an ITA in the latest draw should not lose hope. Their profiles will remain in the Express Entry pool for 12 months, giving them a chance to be selected in future draws.
For those targeting provincial nominations, now is a good time to explore the different PNPs offered by provinces across Canada. Each province has its own criteria, and securing a provincial nomination can be the key to receiving an ITA in a future draw. Stay informed with ImmigCanada for the latest updates on Canadian immigration, as new opportunities continue to emerge in the dynamic landscape of Express Entry and provincial nominations.
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