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“November 2024 Express Entry Pool Update: What’s Changing for Canadian Immigration?”

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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) boosted the frequency of federal immigration choices in October following a slowdown in Express Entry draws throughout September. The second Express Entry trade vocations draw of 2024 was also held by IRCC; this was the first time this group had been selected since July of this year. In addition to discussing the makeup of the Express Entry candidate pool at the beginning of November, this article will analyze the October drawings. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration The Express Entry pool’s current condition Which drawings took place in October? Six Express Entry drawings in four streams and selection categories took place in October. Through these draws, the immigration authorities sent out 5,961 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency (PR), matching the 5,911 ITAs sent out the month before. Draw sizes tended to be smaller in October than in September because a comparable number of ITAs were issued over a greater number of draws. Additionally, compared to September, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off scores for every draw went up. The following table details Express Entry draws in October: Draw Number Date Round Type ITAs Issued CRS Cut-off Scores 316 October 7, 2024 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) 1,613 743 317 October 9, 2024 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) 500 539 318 October 10, 2024 French Language Proficiency 1,000 444 319 October 21, 2024 PNP 648 791 320 October 22, 2024 CEC 400 539 321 October 23, 2024 Trade Occupations 1,800 433 In the Express Entry pool, the IRCC has continued to regularly invite candidates from the CEC, PNP, and French-language categories to apply for permanent residence. Since July of this year, the immigration service has regularly staged lotteries for applicants in these streams/categories. Additionally, the IRCC has said in their 2018 Immigration Levels Plan that they would keep giving priority to these applicants for selection as permanent residents via the federal Express Entry system. Despite the fact that October saw a marginally larger number of ITAs than September, the overall number of ITAs issued was still lower than in prior months: Month ITAs Issued July 25,125 August 10,384 September 5,911 October 5,961 What is the Express Entry pool’s current score distribution? The breakdown of candidate scores in the Express Entry pool as of October 22, the date of the most recent draw at the time of writing, is as follows: CRS Score Range Number of Candidates 0-300 5,462 301-350 22,928 351-400 51,048 401-410 10,871 411-420 11,071 421-430 10,583 431-440 12,047 441-450 10,931 451-460 11,306 461-470 12,900 471-480 14,914 481-490 12,240 491-500 11,925 501-600 13,430 601-1200 124 Total 211,780 This data is also presented as a bar graph for further visualization: How do the pool’s scores compare to one another? To better understand how particular CRS scores fit within the general distribution of CRS scores in the Express Entry candidate pool, the following table use percentile scores. For the upper limit of each CRS score range, we have computed a percentile score, which indicates the percentage of applicants having scores at or below that cutoff point in relation to the entire pool. We only determined the percentile for the highest CRS score within each range because the IRCC data is displayed in ranges. The percentage of candidates who scored within each percentile range is shown below, along with the percentile ranges for the highest scores in each IRCC-reported range: CRS Score Range Number of Candidates Percentile Range Percentage 0-300 5,462 0 – 2.58% 2.58% 301-350 22,928 2.58 – 13.41% 10.83% 351-400 51,048 13.41 – 37.51% 24.10% 401-410 10,871 37.51 – 42.64% 5.13% 411-420 11,071 42.64 – 47.87% 5.23% 421-430 10,583 47.87 – 52.87% 5.00% 431-440 12,047 52.87 – 58.56% 5.69% 441-450 10,931 58.56 – 63.72% 5.16% 451-460 11,306 63.27 – 69.06% 5.34% 461-470 12,900 69.06 – 75.15% 6.09% 471-480 14,914 75.15 – 82.19% 7.04% 481-490 12,240 82.19 – 87.97% 5.78% 491-500 11,925 87.97 – 93.60% 5.63% 501-600 13,430 93.60 – 99.94% 6.34% 601-1200 124 99.94 – 100.00% 0.06% Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

Canada to Reduce Immigration Targets by Nearly 100,000 

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Canada is poised for a substantial change in immigration policy as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government prepares to announce reduced immigration levels. After years of consecutive increases, the new plan will lower the intake of permanent residents by 90,000 in 2025, setting the target at 395,000—down from this year’s 485,000.  This shift mirrors the prediction made in INC News on July 9, 2024, in an analysis titled, “Will Canada reduce immigration targets in November 2024?” The updated targets reflect a significant reversal from previous government plans to reach an annual intake of 500,000 new immigrants by 2025.  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Gradual Decline in Targets  The revised immigration goals continue to decrease, with projected targets of 380,000 for 2026 and 365,000 for 2027. These figures underscore a more cautious approach to immigration over the coming years, as the Trudeau administration adjusts to current economic and social challenges.  Sector-Specific Impact of the New Immigration Plan  According to early reports, the federal economic class will see the most substantial reductions under the new policy. Immigration Minister Marc Miller is expected to confirm these changes in an official announcement on October 24, 2024.  Cuts to Economic-Class Immigration  Economic-class immigration, which includes programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST), and the Start-Up Visa program, will face a drastic 60% reduction in 2025, limiting intake to around 41,000. Though modest increases are expected in 2026 and 2027, numbers will remain significantly lower than previously anticipated.  Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)  Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) will also see a notable decrease, with intake halved to 55,000 in 2025, maintaining this reduced level through 2027. This reduction will considerably impact provincial immigration efforts and opportunities across Canada.  Family Reunification Programs  The new policy reduces family reunification visas by 20,000 in 2025, bringing the total down to 98,000 from its current 118,000 level. This change is expected to generate some backlash from family immigration advocates.  Refugee and Protected Persons Programs  Refugee and protected person programs will also see reductions, though these numbers may fluctuate based on annual refugee and asylum demands.  Temporary Resident Targets  For the first time, Canada’s immigration plan will set targets for temporary residents, with applications expected to drop by nearly 30,000 in 2025, setting the intake just over 300,000. This aligns with Immigration Minister Miller’s recent comments on aiming to reduce the temporary resident population from 6.5% to 5.2% over the next three years.  Immigration Category  2025 Target  2026 Target  2027 Target  Total Permanent Residents  395,000  380,000  365,000  What’s Behind the Change?  The Trudeau administration’s shift in immigration policy appears to reflect a mix of economic considerations and public sentiment. This pivot follows a tense meeting within the Liberal caucus, where members voiced concerns over the unpopularity of current immigration targets.  With a federal election set for October 2025, the government’s recalibrated immigration stance appears to be aimed at responding to mounting public pressure. Rising public concerns over population growth, coupled with criticism from both opposition parties and voters, have positioned immigration as a critical election issue.  A Balanced Strategy or a Departure from Canada’s Core Values?  Canada’s reduced immigration targets reflect a significant policy adjustment, as the Trudeau government navigates domestic economic concerns while addressing the evolving views of the Canadian public. The government hopes this revised strategy will alleviate pressures on housing, public services, and employment.  As the 2025 federal election approaches, immigration will be a defining topic in Canada’s political landscape. Whether this shift will be seen as a pragmatic response to public concerns or a departure from Canada’s multicultural vision will hinge on how well the government manages the policy’s broader economic and social implications.  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

“Canada Invites 1,800 Express Entry Candidates in Trade Occupations Category-Based Draw”

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Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently conducted an Express Entry draw, issuing 1,800 invitations to apply (ITAs) specifically for candidates in trade occupations. To be eligible for this draw, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 433. This marked the first category-based selection draw for trade occupations since July 4, when the IRCC also invited 1,800 candidates, albeit with a higher minimum score of 436. Additionally, this was the first draw not focused on French proficiency since July 5. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment The latest draw was the third Express Entry event held within a week. On October 22, 400 candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) were invited with a minimum CRS score of 539. The draw prior to that, on October 21, targeted candidates with Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominations, inviting 648 individuals with a minimum score of 791. IRCC has recently established a pattern of conducting multiple Express Entry draws every two weeks, typically including those specific to PNP and CEC candidates. This approach demonstrates IRCC’s commitment to increasing the number of domestic draws for Express Entry applicants who are already in Canada as temporary residents. The strategy aims to help manage the number of temporary residents while also meeting the annual targets for new permanent residents outlined in Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan. The next Immigration Levels Plan is anticipated to be released by November 1, covering targets for 2025-2027. For 2024, Canada aims to welcome 110,770 new permanent residents. So far, there has been no confirmation regarding whether the IRCC has met this target. Candidates who receive an ITA in the latter half of the year are likely to be processed and admitted in 2025, in line with IRCC’s service standard of six months for processing Express Entry applications. What is Express Entry? Express Entry is an application management system that governs three major economic immigration programs in Canada: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). These programs utilize the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to identify candidates who can effectively address urgent labor shortages and contribute to the Canadian economy. The CRS evaluates various human capital factors, including age, occupation, education, language proficiency, and work experience. Each factor is scored, contributing to a candidate’s overall CRS score. Scores tend to be higher in PNP draws because candidates nominated by a province receive an additional 600 points automatically. Candidates may also gain points for having family members in Canada or for immigrating with a spouse or partner. Those with the highest CRS scores are most likely to receive an ITA in upcoming draws. Summary of Express Entry draw results in 2024 Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Minimum CRS October 23 Trade occupations 1.800 433 October 22 Canadian Experience Class 400 539 October 21 Provincial Nominee Program 648 791 October 10 French language proficiency 1,000 444 October 9 Canadian Experience Class 500 539 October 7 Provincial Nominee Program 1,613 743 September 19 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 509 September 13 French language proficiency 1,000 446 September 9 Provincial Nominee Program 911 732 August 27 Canadian Experience Class 3,300 507 August 26 Provincial Nominee Program 1,121 694 August 15 French language proficiency 2,000 394 August 14 Canadian Experience Class 3,200 509 August 13 Provincial Nominee Program 763 690 July 31 Canadian Experience Class 5,000 510 July 30 Provincial Nominee Program 964 686 July 18 French language proficiency 1,800 400 July 17 Canadian Experience Class 6,300 515 July 16 Provincial Nominee Program 1,391 670 July 8 French proficiency 3,200 420 July 5 Healthcare occupations 3,750 445 July 4 Trade occupations 1,800 436 July 2 Provincial Nominee Program 920 739 June 19 Provincial Nominee Program 1,499 663 May 31 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 522 May 30 Provincial Nominee Program 2,985 676 April 24 French proficiency 1,400 410 April 23 General 2,095 529 April 11 STEM occupations 4,500 491 April 10 General 1,280 549 March 26 French language proficiency 1,500 388 March 25 General 1,980 524 March 13 Transport occupations 975 430 March 12 General 2,850 525 February 29 French language proficiency 2,500 336 February 28 General 1,470 534 February 16 Agriculture and agri-food occupations 150 437 February 14 Healthcare occupations 3,500 422 February 13 General 1,490 535 February 1 French language proficiency 7,000 365 January 31 General 730 541 January 23 General 1,040 543 January 10 General 1,510 546 Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

NEWS

Detailed Overview: Canada’s 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan 

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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released the Government of Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026. Building on the previous 2023-2025 Plan, Canada is set to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024, increasing to 500,000 in 2025 and maintaining that level in 2026. The plan emphasizes economic growth, supports family reunification, and responds to humanitarian needs, reflecting the rapid growth of immigration in recent years.  A key aspect of this plan is the focus on increasing French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec. In 2022, Canada met its target of 4.4% for French-speaking immigrants. The new targets for 2024-2026 are set at 6% for 2024, 7% for 2025, and 8% for 2026.  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Economic and Social Benefits of Immigration  Immigrants are vital to Canada’s labour market and future economic growth, particularly in supporting the transition to a green, net-zero, and digital economy. They help fill critical labour gaps in sectors such as health, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), trades, transportation, and agriculture.  For the Family Class, immigration has both social and economic benefits. Family support plays a key role in newcomers’ well-being and adaptation. Additionally, spouses and partners often enter the workforce, contributing to household income, while parents and grandparents may provide childcare, enabling their sponsors to participate in the workforce.  Humanitarian Commitments  Canada has a long-standing tradition of providing protection to those in need, and the Government remains committed to humanitarian efforts. Immigration planning goes beyond setting numerical targets; it also requires ensuring that newcomers receive adequate support services, including housing and healthcare. This requires coordination and collaboration across all levels of government and society. IRCC has already begun efforts to implement a holistic, integrated approach to admissions planning, involving various partners and stakeholders.  Key Points from the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan:  French-speaking Admissions Outside Quebec:  The targets for French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec are 6% in 2024, 7% in 2025, and 8% in 2026. These targets are part of the overall immigration plan, not additional admissions, and apply specifically to areas outside Quebec. Once Quebec releases its own immigration plan, these targets may be adjusted.  2. Economic Immigration Programs:  Federal Skilled Programs: This category includes the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class.  Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathways: These programs, based on temporary public policies, are expected to complete all admissions by the end of 2023.  3. Entrepreneurial Programs: This includes the Start-up Visa Program and Self-employed Persons Program.  Municipal Nominee Program: Admissions under this new program will be included once it is launched.  Caregiver Programs: Admissions include those from the Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots, as well as legacy programs such as the Live-in Caregiver Program.  4. Quebec’s Immigration Plan:  Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, Quebec has authority over the selection of immigrants destined for the province, except for the family class and protected persons. The estimated admissions targets for Quebec’s economic immigration programs are 37,990 in 2024, 34,500 in 2025, and 35,500 in 2026.  5. Humanitarian Programs:  Canada will continue to offer protection to vulnerable populations, including human rights defenders and LGBTQI+ individuals. Additionally, admissions will address ongoing crises such as the situation in Afghanistan and commitments to Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims.  6. Other Humanitarian Admissions:  This category includes individuals admitted on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, for public policy reasons, or under the permit holder class. It also includes some admissions related to the Afghanistan response.  In summary, Canada’s 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan continues to prioritize economic growth and humanitarian commitments while ensuring that adequate services and supports are in place for both newcomers and Canadian communities. The plan reflects a coordinated, integrated approach to immigration that aligns with Canada’s broader societal and economic goals.  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

IRCC Issues 400 Invitations to Apply to CEC Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw 

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Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently conducted an Express Entry draw, issuing 400 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). To qualify for this draw, candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 539.  This marks the second Express Entry draw of the week, with the previous draw taking place on October 21, which invited 648 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. The CRS score for the PNP-specific draw was significantly higher, with a minimum requirement of 791.  Get a Free Express Entry Assessment In recent months, IRCC has established a pattern of conducting multiple Express Entry draws every second week. These draws often target specific groups, such as PNP and CEC candidates. This ongoing strategy reflects IRCC’s commitment to increasing domestic draws, prioritizing those already living and working in Canada as temporary residents. The goal is to reduce the number of temporary residents while meeting the country’s annual immigration targets as outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan.  The updated Immigration Levels Plan for 2025–2027 is expected to be released by November 1, 2024. According to the plan, Canada aimed to welcome 110,770 new permanent residents through Express Entry in 2024. As of now, IRCC has not confirmed whether this target has been met. Those who receive ITAs in the latter half of the year are likely to be admitted in 2025, as Express Entry applications typically take six months to process.  What is Express Entry?   Express Entry is Canada’s system for managing applications for three key economic immigration programs:  Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)  Canadian Experience Class (CEC)  Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)  These programs use the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to evaluate candidates based on various human capital factors, including age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and occupation. The CRS assigns a score to each factor, which is combined to form an overall score.  CRS scores tend to be higher in PNP draws because candidates nominated by a province receive an additional 600 points. Other factors that can influence a candidate’s score include having family in Canada or immigrating with a spouse or partner.  Candidates with the highest CRS scores are most likely to receive ITAs in future Express Entry draws.  Summary of Express Entry draw results in 2024  Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Minimum CRS October 22 Canadian Experience Class 400 539 October 21 Provincial Nominee Program 648 791 October 10 French language proficiency 1,000 444 October 9 Canadian Experience Class 500 539 October 7 Provincial Nominee Program 1,613 743 September 19 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 509 September 13 French language proficiency 1,000 446 September 9 Provincial Nominee Program 911 732 August 27 Canadian Experience Class 3,300 507 August 26 Provincial Nominee Program 1,121 694 August 15 French language proficiency 2,000 394 August 14 Canadian Experience Class 3,200 509 August 13 Provincial Nominee Program 763 690 July 31 Canadian Experience Class 5,000 510 July 30 Provincial Nominee Program 964 686 July 18 French language proficiency 1,800 400 July 17 Canadian Experience Class 6,300 515 July 16 Provincial Nominee Program 1,391 670 July 8 French proficiency 3,200 420 July 5 Healthcare occupations 3,750 445 July 4 Trade occupations 1,800 436 July 2 Provincial Nominee Program 920 739 June 19 Provincial Nominee Program 1,499 663 May 31 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 522 May 30 Provincial Nominee Program 2,985 676 April 24 French proficiency 1,400 410 April 23 General 2,095 529 April 11 STEM occupations 4,500 491 April 10 General 1,280 549 March 26 French language proficiency 1,500 388 March 25 General 1,980 524 March 13 Transport occupations 975 430 March 12 General 2,850 525 February 29 French language proficiency 2,500 336 February 28 General 1,470 534 February 16 Agriculture and agri-food occupations 150 437 February 14 Healthcare occupations 3,500 422 February 13 General 1,490 535 February 1 French language proficiency 7,000 365 January 31 General 730 541 January 23 General 1,040 543 January 10 General 1,510 546 Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

NEWS

“Important Updates to Canada’s International Student Program for 2025 and Beyond”

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As of 2024, the Canadian government has been taking significant measures to strengthen the integrity of its international student program. In response to increasing concerns about the sustainability and transparency of the system, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented a temporary cap on study permits earlier this year. This cap aims to regulate foreign enrollment numbers, ensuring that international students have access to quality facilities during their studies.  On September 18, 2024, Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, announced additional changes that will greatly affect prospective international students planning to study in Canada.  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Key Changes Affecting International Students in 2025 and Beyond  New Study Permit Cap for 2025-2026 with a 10% Reduction In 2025 and 2026, the Canadian government will impose a further cap on the number of study permits issued. In 2024, around 485,000 study permits were granted, but the new annual target will be 437,000, marking a 10% reduction compared to 2024. Importantly, this cap will now include both Master’s and PhD students. International students aspiring to pursue these degrees will be required to submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) with their study permit applications. This measure aims to align enrollment figures with the country’s capacity to support international students while upholding educational standards.  Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) There will be notable adjustments to PGWP eligibility. Currently, international students can qualify for a PGWP of up to three years. However, upcoming changes will alter the criteria for public college graduates. Only those graduates from public college programs whose studies are aligned with areas experiencing significant labor market demand will be eligible for the full three-year PGWP. Fortunately, the duration for university graduates will remain unchanged.  New Language Proficiency Requirements for PGWP To enhance employability and facilitate pathways to permanent residency, Canada will introduce mandatory language proficiency requirements for the PGWP program. Later this year, all PGWP applicants will need to demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in English or French. University graduates must achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7, while college graduates will need a CLB score of 5 to qualify for a post raduation work permit. These changes are designed to better equip international graduates for integration into the Canadian job market.  Revised Work Permit Rules for Spouses of Master’s Students A significant update relates to work permits for the spouses of international students. Under the new regulations, spouses of students pursuing a Master’s degree in Canada will only qualify for an open work permit if the student’s program lasts a minimum of 16 months.  These recent updates from the IRCC aim to refine the rules and eligibility for international students, ensuring they achieve academic success and are well-prepared for life in Canada after graduation.  For international recruiters, it’s essential to keep students informed about these changes to ensure they are adequately prepared for the 2025 intake and beyond. Let’s collaborate to help students secure brighter futures worldwide!  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

Alberta Introduces New Expression of Interest System for AAIP Worker Streams 

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As of September 30, Alberta has updated its process for issuing Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for certain Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) worker pathways.  Now, candidates wishing to apply to one of the AAIP worker streams must first submit a Worker Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AAIP portal. To complete this, applicants need to fill out an online form providing personal and professional details. Once submitted, they will be added to the Worker Stream pool for selection, and there’s no cost associated with submitting an EOI.  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration The new Worker EOI system will rank candidates based on a points-based framework, similar to the federal Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Points will be awarded for human capital factors such as education level (with additional points if the education was completed in Alberta), language proficiency, and work experience (with Alberta-based experience carrying more weight). Factors like age and family connections in Alberta will also contribute to a candidate’s overall score.  Candidates with higher scores will have a better chance of being chosen for a provincial nomination, and selected applicants will receive invitations via email.  Alberta has also emphasized that candidates cannot submit a Worker EOI if they have an existing Worker or Entrepreneur EOI, or if they have a pending or active AAIP application. In these cases, previous applications or EOIs must be withdrawn before creating a new Worker EOI.  There’s no immediate urgency to submit EOIs, as Alberta won’t begin holding worker stream draws until mid-to-late October.  Alberta Worker Streams  Earlier in 2023, Alberta adjusted its approach to accepting applications for Worker streams to better address overwhelming demand and meet labor market needs.  In June, the province announced it would only accept a limited number of applications into the pool each month. If the target number was reached before the deadline, further applications would be paused until the next period.  This system aims to manage processing times more effectively and align with Alberta’s allocation of 9,750 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominations granted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for 2024. The changes affect the following streams:  Alberta Opportunity Stream  Rural Renewal Stream  Accelerated Tech Pathway  Tourism and Hospitality Stream  The new approach is designed to offer candidates multiple chances to apply throughout the year while maintaining access to the program year-round.  Demand for the Alberta Opportunity Stream has been particularly high in 2023, causing the province to temporarily stop accepting applications for this stream between February and June.  The pause allowed the AAIP to manage its current inventory of applications more efficiently and focus its limited nominations on priority sectors like healthcare, technology, construction, agriculture, tourism, hospitality, and other high-demand industries in Alberta.  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

IRCC Issues 500 ITAs to Canadian Experience Class Candidates in Second Express Entry Draw of the Week 

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Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently conducted an Express Entry draw, issuing 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) category.  In this draw, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 539 to be eligible for consideration.  Earlier in the week, IRCC held another draw, issuing 1,613 ITAs to Express Entry candidates with Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominations. In that round, candidates were required to have a higher CRS score of at least 739.  Get a Free Express Entry Assessment Looking back, the most recent Express Entry draw before these occurred on September 19, when 4,000 ITAs were extended to CEC candidates with a minimum CRS score of 509. This was a slight increase from the previous CEC draw on August 27, where the cut-off was 507.  Over the summer, IRCC has been conducting more CEC-specific draws, issuing a total of 21,800 ITAs to Canadian Experience Class candidates since July. This approach aligns with IRCC’s strategy to increase “domestic” draws, aiming to reduce the number of temporary residents and meet the country’s annual permanent residency targets.  Today’s draw is the second held this month, while last October, IRCC conducted four draws, issuing a total of 9,173 invitations.  What is Express Entry?  Launched in 2015, Express Entry is a system designed by IRCC to manage applications for economic immigration. The primary goal of Express Entry is to select candidates who can fill critical labor shortages in Canada.  Three main programs are managed under Express Entry:  Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)  Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)  Canadian Experience Class (CEC)  The system uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to evaluate candidates based on various human capital factors such as work experience, age, language proficiency, education, and occupation. Additional points can also be awarded if a candidate is immigrating with a spouse or partner, has a sibling in Canada, or possesses Canadian work experience or education.  The higher a candidate’s CRS score, the better their chances of receiving an ITA in future Express Entry draws, depending on the specific draw type.  Category-Based Selection  In May 2023, IRCC introduced category-based selection draws, where CRS cut-off scores tend to be lower compared to other draw types. These targeted draws aim to address critical labor force gaps and demographic needs. The six key categories are:  Healthcare  Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions  Trades  Transport  Agriculture and agri-food  French language proficiency  These categories were chosen based on extensive consultations with stakeholders and an analysis of labor market needs. IRCC also aims to ensure that 6% of all newcomers are admitted to French-speaking minority communities outside Quebec.  Although CRS scores in category-based draws are generally lower, candidates must still have a profile in the Express Entry pool, and a higher score remains an advantage in securing an ITA. Summary of Express Entry draw results in 2024   Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Minimum CRS October 7 Provincial Nominee Program 1,613 743 September 19 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 509 September 13 French language proficiency 1,000 446 September 9 Provincial Nominee Program 911 732 August 27 Canadian Experience Class 3,300 507 August 26 Provincial Nominee Program 1,121 694 August 15 French language proficiency 2,000 394 August 14 Canadian Experience Class 3,200 509 August 13 Provincial Nominee Program 763 690 July 31 Canadian Experience Class 5,000 510 July 30 Provincial Nominee Program 964 686 July 18 French language proficiency 1,800 400 July 17 Canadian Experience Class 6,300 515 July 16 Provincial Nominee Program 1,391 670 July 8 French proficiency 3,200 420 July 5 Healthcare occupations 3,750 445 July 4 Trade occupations 1,800 436 July 2 Provincial Nominee Program 920 739 June 19 Provincial Nominee Program 1,499 663 May 31 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 522 May 30 Provincial Nominee Program 2,985 676 April 24 French proficiency 1,400 410 April 23 General 2,095 529 April 11 STEM occupations 4,500 491 April 10 General 1,280 549 March 26 French language proficiency 1,500 388 March 25 General 1,980 524 March 13 Transport occupations 975 430 March 12 General 2,850 525 February 29 French language proficiency 2,500 336 February 28 General 1,470 534 February 16 Agriculture and agri-food occupations 150 437 February 14 Healthcare occupations 3,500 422 February 13 General 1,490 535 February 1 French language proficiency 7,000 365 January 31 General 730 541 January 23 General 1,040 543 January 10 General 1,510 546 Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

NEWS

PNP Candidates: 1,613 Invited in Latest Express Entry Draw 

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Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently conducted an Express Entry draw, inviting 1,613 candidates to apply for permanent residence. This specific draw focused solely on applicants who had received a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination. In order to be eligible, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 743.  The previous draw, held on September 19, targeted 4,000 candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). These candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 509, slightly higher than the earlier CEC draw on August 27, where the cut-off was 507.  Get a Free Express Entry Assessment CEC draws have become more frequent over the summer, with IRCC issuing a total of 21,800 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to CEC candidates since July. This aligns with the department’s efforts to increase “domestic” draws, thereby reducing the number of temporary residents in Canada. This approach also supports IRCC’s objective of meeting its permanent resident targets for the year.  The most recent draw is the first for October, while last year IRCC conducted four draws during the same month, inviting a total of 9,173 candidates.  What is Express Entry?  Express Entry, introduced in 2015, is an application management system designed to assist IRCC in selecting economic immigration candidates who can address urgent gaps in the Canadian labor market. It manages applications for three key immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).  Candidates applying through Express Entry are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This system assesses candidates based on various factors like work experience, age, language proficiency, education, and occupation. Additional points can be awarded for factors such as having a spouse or sibling in Canada, or for Canadian work or educational experience.  The higher a candidate’s CRS score, the better their chances of receiving an ITA in a future draw, though eligibility can vary depending on the type of draw.  Category-Based Selection  Since May 2023, IRCC has introduced category-based selection draws to address specific workforce and demographic needs. These draws often have lower CRS score thresholds than general or program-specific draws. However, candidates must still be in the Express Entry pool, and a high CRS score remains beneficial.  There are six categories for these draws:  Healthcare  Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)  Trades  Transport  Agriculture and agri-food  French language proficiency  The categories were chosen after extensive consultations with various stakeholders, labor market analysis, and in alignment with the department’s goal to welcome 6% of all newcomers into French-speaking minority communities outside of Quebec.  While the cut-off scores for these category-based draws tend to be lower, maintaining a competitive CRS score is still important for candidates looking to receive an ITA.  Summary of Express Entry draw results in 2024 Date  Draw Type  Number of ITAs  Minimum CRS  October 7  Provincial Nominee Program  1,613  743  September 19  Canadian Experience Class  4,000  509  September 13  French language proficiency  1,000  446  September 9  Provincial Nominee Program  911  732  August 27  Canadian Experience Class  3,300  507  August 26  Provincial Nominee Program  1,121  694  August 15  French language proficiency  2,000  394  August 14  Canadian Experience Class  3,200  509  August 13  Provincial Nominee Program  763  690  July 31  Canadian Experience Class  5,000  510  July 30  Provincial Nominee Program  964  686  July 18  French language proficiency  1,800  400  July 17  Canadian Experience Class  6,300  515  July 16  Provincial Nominee Program  1,391  670  July 8  French proficiency  3,200  420  July 5  Healthcare occupations  3,750  445  July 4  Trade occupations  1,800  436  July 2  Provincial Nominee Program  920  739  June 19  Provincial Nominee Program  1,499  663  May 31  Canadian Experience Class  3,000  522  May 30  Provincial Nominee Program  2,985  676  April 24  French proficiency  1,400  410  April 23  General  2,095  529  April 11  STEM occupations  4,500  491  April 10  General  1,280  549  March 26  French language proficiency  1,500  388  March 25  General  1,980  524  March 13  Transport occupations  975  430  March 12  General  2,850  525  February 29  French language proficiency  2,500  336  February 28  General  1,470  534  February 16  Agriculture and agri-food occupations  150  437  February 14  Healthcare occupations  3,500  422  February 13  General  1,490  535  February 1  French language proficiency  7,000  365  January 31  General  730  541  January 23  General  1,040  543  January 10  General  1,510  546  Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

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“Ontario Raises Minimum Wage: Can Newcomers Afford to Live on It?”

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As of October 1, the minimum wage has increased in Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. These wage hikes are mostly tied to inflation. In Ontario, for example, the minimum wage went up from $16.55 an hour to $17.20. The income of someone earning minimum wage depends on how many hours they work each week. According to data from Statistics Canada in 2023, full-time employees in Ontario work an average of 39.3 hours per week. Based on this, a full-time worker earning minimum wage would make around $675.96 per week before taxes. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Most employers in Ontario pay their employees every two weeks. This means that a full-time worker on minimum wage can expect to earn about $1,351.92 per paycheck. Part-time workers will earn less. Over a year, which has 26 pay periods, a full-time worker would make approximately $35,149.92 before taxes. Using Wealthsimple’s income tax calculator, a person in Ontario earning this yearly amount would take home about $29,026 after taxes (assuming no other income or deductions like investments or retirement savings). Can you live on a full-time minimum wage job in Ontario?  This is a crucial question for many new immigrants, especially those who arrive without a job and need to support themselves quickly or show proof of income to find housing. Cost of Living for New Immigrants in Ontario Toronto has the highest immigrant population in Canada, with census data from 2021 showing that 46.6% of the city’s residents are immigrants. Many newcomers rent when they first arrive in Canada, as buying a home can be difficult right away. Here’s an estimate of the monthly costs for a single person living alone in Toronto. Keep in mind that other places in Ontario or Canada may be cheaper, and these amounts can vary:Rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,452 (as of September 2024) Monthly groceries: $526.50 Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water): $160.44 Phone plan: $56.20 Internet: $69.70 Public transit: $3.30 per ride, or $143 for a monthly pass In total, these basic expenses add up to around $3,407.84 per month, or $40,894.08 per year. This amount is more than what a full-time minimum wage worker earns in gross pay, and over $11,000 more than their net (take-home) pay. There are ways to cut costs, such as sharing a home with others, buying groceries on sale, choosing cheaper phone or internet plans, or walking instead of paying for public transport. Newcomers in Minimum Wage Jobs Many newcomers, while waiting for their foreign qualifications to be recognized, often find themselves working in minimum-wage jobs. About 20% of jobs in Canada are regulated and need specific licenses or certificates. Each province has its own rules for these jobs, so the time it takes for newcomers to get their qualifications recognized can vary. While waiting, many newcomers end up working jobs outside their field, which often pay minimum wage or slightly more. A recent report from Statistics Canada found that between 2001 and 2021, more immigrant workers were filling low-skilled jobs that used to be filled by Canadian-born workers. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

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