Canada continues to welcome skilled immigrants, strengthening its diverse and vibrant workforce. In the latest Express Entry draw, 1,391 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency were issued, marking a significant milestone for those aiming to build their futures in Canada. This draw highlights the ongoing efforts of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to attract top talent from around the world.

Express Entry Draw – 16 July, 2024

On July 16, 2024, Canada took another step towards enriching its multicultural society by issuing 1,391 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency through the Express Entry system. This draw focused on candidates with provincial nominations and high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, ensuring that the most qualified individuals are given the opportunity to contribute to Canada’s economy and community.

The specifics of this latest draw are noteworthy:

Category	Details
Program	Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Number of Invitations Issued	1,391
CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited	670
Date and Time of Draw	July 16, 2024, at 15:39:40 UTC
Tie-Breaking Rule	May 4, 2024, at 13:27:31 UTC

This draw marks the third consecutive week of IRCC holding rounds of invitations.

New Express Entry Categories for 2025

Given that this draw specifically targeted PNP candidates, there is speculation that upcoming draws might focus on other categories such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or STEM professions. This approach ensures a balanced selection of candidates from various professional backgrounds, contributing to a diversified economic growth.

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is designed to address specific regional labor market needs. By selecting candidates who have been nominated by a province or territory, the PNP ensures that new immigrants are more likely to settle successfully and contribute to local economies.

Looking ahead, IRCC is exploring the introduction of new categories for Express Entry draws in 2025, targeting specific occupations within the education sector. Potential categories include:

• Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers
• Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants
• Early Childhood Educators and Assistants
• Secondary School Teachers
• Educational Counsellors
• Instructors of Persons with Disabilities

These targeted draws aim to address labor shortages in critical sectors and ensure that the immigration system aligns with Canada’s evolving economic needs.

The Express Entry System

The Express Entry system is a streamlined application management process for three federal economic immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Candidates are evaluated using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which scores them based on factors like occupation, age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. Those with the highest scores receive ITAs, moving them one step closer to becoming permanent residents of Canada.

The latest Express Entry draw, with 1,391 PR invitations, is a significant opportunity for skilled workers to start their new lives in Canada. The Express Entry system remains a vital pathway for immigration, with ongoing draws and new categories ensuring that Canada attracts the best and brightest from around the globe.