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Express Entry

NEWS

“BREAKING: Canada Conducts First Healthcare Express Entry Draw Since July!”

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Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently conducted a new Express Entry draw, issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates. In this healthcare-specific category-based draw, 3,000 ITAs were sent to applicants with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 463. This marks the third Express Entry draw within a single week, following a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw on November 19 and a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on November 18. It is also the second consecutive week of multiple Express Entry draws. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment The previous week saw a total of 1,933 ITAs issued across various categories, including CEC, PNP, and French-speaking candidates.   According to IRCC’s latest Immigration Levels Plan, the federal government is set to increase Express Entry targets for next year, aiming to welcome 124,680 candidates.   Of these, over 82,000 admissions will be allocated to a new category, the In-Canada Focus category. This will predominantly include candidates from the CEC but may also feature those in the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and PNP-aligned streams.   Additionally, 41,700 permanent residence admissions are reserved for the “Federal Economic Priorities” category. This stream targets candidates with expertise in in-demand occupations critical to Canada’s labor market needs. What is Express Entry? Express Entry is Canada’s application management system for three primary economic immigration programs: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)   Applicants are evaluated using the CRS, which awards points based on factors like age, occupation, language proficiency, education, and work experience.   Additional CRS points can be earned for having a sibling in Canada, applying as a couple, or combining Canadian and foreign work or education experience.   Candidates with a provincial nomination under an enhanced PNP stream receive an extra 600 CRS points, significantly increasing their chances of securing an ITA.   Those with the highest CRS scores are most likely to receive an ITA in future Express Entry draws, provided they meet the draw’s specific criteria. Summary of 2024 Express Entry Results The recent draws reflect IRCC’s commitment to meeting Canada’s immigration targets while addressing labor market demands and prioritizing qualified candidates across different streams. Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Minimum CRS November 20 Healthcare occupations 3,000 463 November 19 Canadian Experience Class 400 539 November 18 Provincial Nominee Program 174 816 November 15 French language proficiency 800 478 November 13 Canadian Experience Class 400 547 November 12 Provincial Nominee Program 733 812 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

“IRCC Invites CEC Candidates for the Second Week in a Row!”

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Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently conducted an Express Entry draw, issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates. A total of 400 ITAs were issued in a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw, with candidates requiring a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 539 to qualify. This draw follows a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on November 18, which invited 174 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 816. It also marks the second consecutive week of Express Entry draws. Last week, IRCC issued 1,933 ITAs to candidates in the CEC, PNP, and French-language proficiency streams. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment According to IRCC’s latest Immigration Levels Plan, federal immigration targets through the Express Entry system are set to rise in the coming year. The department aims to welcome 124,680 Express Entry candidates in 2025. Of this total, over 82,000 admissions will focus on a new “In-Canada Focus” category, primarily targeting CEC candidates but also including those in the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and PNP-aligned Express Entry streams. The remaining 41,700 permanent resident admissions will be allocated to the “Federal Economic Priorities” category, which prioritizes candidates with experience in high-demand occupations across the Canadian labor market. What is Express Entry? Express Entry is the system used to manage applications for three key economic immigration programs: the CEC, FSWP, and FSTP. Candidates in these programs are evaluated through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns scores based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and occupation. Additional points are awarded for factors like having a sibling in Canada, applying with a spouse, or combining education and work experience in Canada and abroad. Those with a provincial nomination through an enhanced PNP stream receive an extra 600 CRS points, significantly boosting their chances of receiving an ITA. Candidates with the highest CRS scores are most likely to receive ITAs in upcoming Express Entry draws, provided they meet the specific criteria of the draw. Express Entry in 2024 This year, IRCC has consistently focused on draws targeting various categories, aligning with its strategy to meet Canada’s economic and labor market needs. Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Minimum CRS November 19 Canadian Experience Class 400 539 November 18 Provincial Nominee Program 174 816 November 15 French language proficiency 800 478 November 13 Canadian Experience Class 400 547 November 12 Provincial Nominee Program 733 812 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

“IRCC Invites PNP Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw!”

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Invitations to apply (ITAs) for the latest Express Entry draw have been sent out by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 174 ITAs were distributed by the department through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw. To be taken into consideration, candidates needed to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 816. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment This is the second week in a row that Express Entry draws have occurred. The previous week issued a total of 1,933 ITAs to candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, PNP candidates, and candidates with French-language proficiency. Federal targets for immigration through the Express Entry system are set to increase next year, per IRCC’s latest Immigration Levels Plan. The immigration department hopes to welcome 124,680 Express Entry candidates to Canada in the next year. In addition, more than 82,000 of these admissions will be dedicated to a new category for Express Entry candidates in Canada, known as the In-Canada Focus category. This category will be comprised primarily of CEC candidates in the Express Entry pool, but may also include candidates in the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and PNP-aligned Express Entry streams. Per the latest Levels Plan, the remaining 41,700 permanent residence (PR) admissions will be reserved for the “Federal Economic Priorities” category. This category will invite candidates in the Express Entry pool who have professional experience in in-demand professions and occupations in the Canadian labour market. What is Express Entry? Express Entry is an application management system for three major economic immigration programs for those seeking permanent residence: the CEC, the FSWP, and the FSTP. Candidates in these programs are evaluated using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns scores based on key factors like age, occupation, language proficiency, education, and work experience. Additional points may be granted for having a sibling in Canada, applying with a spouse or partner, or combining Canadian and international education and work experience. Receiving a provincial nomination through an enhanced PNP stream adds 600 CRS points, greatly boosting the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Those with the highest CRS scores are the most likely to receive an ITA in upcoming Express Entry draws, as long as they meet the criteria for the specific draw. Summary of Express Entry draw results in 2024 Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Minimum CRS November 18 Provincial Nominee Program 174 816 November 15 French language proficiency 800 478 November 13 Canadian Experience Class 400 547 November 12 Provincial Nominee Program 733 812 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

“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

“Immigration Levels Plan 2024: How It Impacts Express Entry Success Rates”

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The most recent Immigration Levels Plan in Canada has important ramifications for foreigners using the Express Entry system to apply for permanent residence. The Plan states that additional seats for permanent residency have been set aside for Express Entry applicants in 2025. These modifications should be advantageous to two categories of candidates: Canadian candidates; and applicants who are eligible for drawings based on categories. In 2025, it will likely be more difficult for candidates who do not fit into the aforementioned emphasis categories to receive an invitation to apply (ITA) through Express Entry. Increase in the allotment for Express Entry The federal government actually boosted the funding for Express Entry even though it reduced the goals for admissions of permanent residents by around 20% for 2025: 2025 target – current Plan 2025 target – last year’s Plan 2024 target – last year’s Plan 124,680 117,500 110,770 The combined 2025 objective of 124,680 for the “In-Canada Focus” and “Economic Priorities” categories is higher than the 2024 target as well as the 2025 target from the Immigration Levels Plan from the previous year. In 2024, the IRCC set a target of 110,770 for the “federal high skilled” (FHS) category, which includes the three federal immigration programs controlled by Express Entry: the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The IRCC set a goal of 117,500 for FHS in 2025 in the Immigration Levels Plan from the previous year. Applicants hoping to enter through programs run by Express Entry should anticipate receiving more invites in 2025 than in 2024. Canadian candidate prioritization The IRCC added a new category called “In-Canada Focus” to the budget for economic immigration for programs run by Express Entry in this year’s Plan. With the creation of this category, candidates who are already residing in Canada might anticipate that their chances of being invited to apply (ITA) would rise in 2025. For 2025, IRCC set a target of 82,980 for this category—about 42% of the federal economic immigration target of 197,650.* Overseas candidates for the FSWP or FSTP can expect reduced chances of receiving ITAs. *We’ve taken the total economic immigration target of 232,150 and subtracted the 34,500 for Quebec Skilled Workers and Business. Quebec controls its own immigration targets and admissions. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

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

Candidates Receiving ITAs Through Category-Based Selection Draws 

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Candidates in Canada’s Express Entry pool with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores below 500 now have an improved pathway to permanent residency through eligibility for category-based selection draws. These draws, initiated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2023, focus on certain skills and professions crucial to Canada’s labor market and demographic goals. Unlike general and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws, which have required CRS scores above 500 throughout 2024, category-based selection draws often set lower CRS cut-offs, giving candidates in specific fields a greater chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).  Get a Free Express Entry Assessment Overview of Category-Based Selection  IRCC’s category-based selection draws were launched to prioritize candidates in occupations or skills deemed high-need by Canada. These categories currently include:  French-language proficiency  Healthcare occupations  Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations  Trade occupations  Transport occupations  Agriculture and agri-food occupations  To qualify for a category-based selection draw, candidates need at least six months of full-time, continuous work experience within their field in the past three years, either in Canada or abroad. Those applying through the French proficiency category must have Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) test results with a minimum score of seven across all language abilities.  Examples of Candidates Eligible for Category-Based Selection Draws  The following profiles illustrate how category-based selection draws assist candidates with CRS scores under 500 in receiving ITAs:  Example 1: Transport Occupations  Ahmad, a 32-year-old aircraft assembly inspector from the United Arab Emirates, has a master’s degree in aviation technology and advanced English proficiency (CLB 9). Though he has no Canadian work experience or degree from a Canadian institution, his CRS score is as follows:  Core Human Capital: 353/460  Skill Transferability: 100/100  Additional Factors: 0/600  Total CRS Score: 453  Factors determining CRS scores Qualifications Points accrued Age 32 94 Education Master’s degree 135 English language proficiency CLB 9 124 Skills Transferability: Education (language + post-secondary degree)  CLB 9 + Master’s degree 50 Skills Transferability:Foreign work experience (language + foreign work experience)  CLB 9 + 4 years of work experience 50 In March 2024, a Transport category draw had a CRS cut-off of 430. Ahmad’s score would have made him eligible for an ITA, had he been in the Express Entry pool at that time.  Example 2: Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations  Alvin, a 34-year-old from the Philippines, completed a three-year post-secondary degree in landscape design and horticulture in Canada and has worked as a landscape supervisor in Canada for three years. With high intermediate English skills (CLB 8), his CRS score is calculated as follows:  Core Human Capital: 367/460  Skill Transferability: 50/100  Additional Factors: 30/600  Total CRS Score: 447  Factors determining CRS score Qualifications Points accrued Age 34 83 Education Two or more post secondary courses 128 English language proficiency CLB 8 92 Canadian work experience 3 years 64 Skills transferability: Education (language + Canadian work experience)  CLB 8 + 3 years of work experience 50 Additional factors: Canadian post-secondary education   30 The February 16, 2024, agriculture occupations draw had a cut-off score of 437, meaning Alvin’s score would have qualified him for an ITA.  Example 3: French-Language Proficiency  Sara, a 27-year-old accountant from Morocco, holds a three-year degree in finance and has three years of relevant work experience. With advanced French (CLB 9) and intermediate English (CLB 5), her CRS score is as follows:  Core Human Capital: 358/460  Skill Transferability: 75/100  Additional Factors: 50/600  Total CRS Score: 483  Factors determining CRS score Qualifications Points accrued Age 27 110 Education Post secondary degree 120 French language proficiency CLB 9 124 English language proficiency CLB 5 4 Skills transferability: Education (language + Canadian work experience)  Points for language skills 25 Skills transferability:Foreign work experience (language + Canadian work experience)  Points for language skills 50 Additional factors: Proficient in French CLB 9 50 The most recent French language proficiency draw, held on October 10, 2024, had a cut-off of 444, so Sara’s score would qualify her for an ITA in this category.  Evolving Focus of Category-Based Selections  Canada’s category-based draws are responsive to evolving economic and labor market requirements. In 2023, nearly a third of ITAs went to candidates with STEM experience, while 2024 has seen increased emphasis on French language proficiency. IRCC anticipates that French-language candidates will receive approximately 30% of all ITAs this year, aligning with the federal goal of attracting more French-speaking immigrants outside of Quebec. Targets for francophone newcomers settling outside Quebec are set to increase to 6% in 2024, 7% in 2025, and 8% in 2026.  The IRCC plans to introduce new categories based on input from provincial representatives, industry stakeholders, and immigration experts.  Impact of Category-Based Selections on CRS Cut-Off Scores  Since the adoption of category-based draws, general Express Entry draws have decreased, with the last one held in April 2024. Draws for CEC, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and category-based selections have become more frequent, with some weeks seeing up to three draws.  Category-based draws have influenced CRS cut-offs, with general draw cut-offs rising from an average of 489 in early 2023 to 536 in 2024—a nearly 50-point increase. Meanwhile, CRS cut-offs for category-based draws have varied, sometimes dropping significantly, as seen in the French proficiency draw on February 29, 2024, where the cut-off was 336.  All candidates eligible for category-based draws should ensure their profiles remain updated to take advantage of future selections that match their qualifications and expertise.  Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

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“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

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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

IRCC Application Backlog Continues to Rise Steadily Over the Summer 

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Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) saw its application backlog increase to 1,078,300 by the end of August 2024. This represents a 7.6% rise in the backlog compared to the previous month, July 2024.  July marked a notable milestone, as the backlog exceeded one million applications for the first time in several months. Despite ongoing efforts by the IRCC to address and reduce the backlog, it currently accounts for 1,078,300 out of a total of 2,420,800 applications, meaning that 1,342,500 applications are still being processed within the department’s service standards.  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration The IRCC defines an application as being in backlog if it is not processed within the published service standards. These standards represent the timelines the department deems reasonable for processing specific types of applications. The timelines vary depending on the type of immigration pathway and the nature of the application. For instance, the IRCC aims to process most Express Entry applications within six months of receiving a completed application, while study permits generally take 60 days.  The IRCC strives to process 80% of all applications within these service standards, leaving the remaining 20% to account for more complex applications or cases requiring additional processing time.  In an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request obtained earlier in 2024, the IRCC stated that it is committed to reviewing and updating its service standards, with new standards expected to be published by December 31, 2024.  Current Backlog  Permanent Residence Applications  As of August 31, 2024, the IRCC had a total of 805,600 applications in inventory for permanent residence programs. These included Express Entry programs, Express Entry-aligned streams of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and family sponsorship programs for spouses, partners, and children.  Of the total permanent residence applications, 37% (300,800) were considered part of the backlog.  While exact numbers weren’t provided, the IRCC did share percentages that show how the backlog is distributed:  Express Entry: The backlog reached 16%, which is slightly higher than the projected 15%, though still within the acceptable 20% threshold set by the department.  Express Entry-aligned PNP: The backlog for this stream stood at 22%, exceeding the projected 20%.  Spouses, Partners, and Children (outside Quebec): This category had a smaller backlog than projected, with only 14% of applications in backlog, below the expected 15%.  Temporary Residence Applications  The backlog for temporary residence applications continues to rise, reaching 53% in August 2024, up from 49% in July. This means that 738,900 out of 1,386,000 temporary residence applications are now in backlog.  The Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) backlog is particularly significant, with 71% of applications in backlog, far exceeding the projected 43%.  Both study permits and work permits show substantial backlogs as well, with 32% and 47%, respectively, being categorized as backlog. Citizenship Applications  As in the previous month, citizenship applications remain the only category within acceptable backlog thresholds. As of August, 38,600 out of a total of 229,200 citizenship applications were in backlog, representing 17%, unchanged from July’s figures.  IRCC’s Efforts to Reduce the Backlog  The IRCC has implemented various measures to reduce the backlog, which surged to critical levels in 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, staff shortages, and resource allocation issues at international offices. Among the steps taken to streamline the process are:  Expanding and enhancing online application processes for permanent residence and citizenship.  Introducing virtual citizenship ceremonies and online status-checking portals to reduce administrative delays.  Prioritizing applications from individuals in essential occupations to address ongoing labor shortages.  To further manage the backlog, the IRCC also plans to limit the number of temporary residents. The department aims to reduce the volume of temporary residents entering Canada to just 5% of current levels by introducing a “soft cap” on the number of temporary resident permits issued.  With these initiatives, the IRCC is striving to bring the backlog under control while continuing to meet the country’s immigration and labor market needs. The department’s updated service standards, set to be released by the end of 2024, are expected to provide clearer guidance on processing times and help streamline the application process going forward.  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

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