Express Entry Invites Candidates After Hiatus

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has restarted the Express Entry system with the latest batch of invitations. A total of 2,985 candidates aiming for provincial nomination have received Invitations to Apply (ITAs). To qualify for this round, individuals needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 676.

Marking the first targeted draw since the new category-based draws were brought into effect back in June 2023, this specific draw was confined to candidates within the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), diverging from the typical process that encompasses all programs. The draw on May 30 comes on the heels of a draw freeze that had lasted since April 24, the reasons for which have not been disclosed by the IRCC. Despite the pause, the department assures that future draws are set to proceed on a pre-arranged, though currently not public, timetable. The IRCC has suggested that the number and frequency of future draws will align with the immigration goals for 2024 and 2025, with operational capacity also playing a role in these decisions.

The draw history before the break includes four draws in April, with a variety of focus areas including general draws, sector-specific draws for STEM and French proficiency. The emphasis on French language skills is set to dominate category-based selection draws in 2024, reflecting the high employability and integration success associated with bilingual applicants. For 2024, STEM-related professions are set to claim the second-largest share of ITAs at 25%, followed by healthcare occupations at 15%, while transport, trades, agriculture and agri-food sectors will represent a minor share.

Express Entry is a management system for applications to Canada’s prominent economic immigration pathways: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. All candidates are scored under the CRS, evaluating factors like work experience, language skills, and education. High-scoring individuals stand a better chance of receiving an ITA.

Since May 2023, Express Entry has incorporated category-based draws aimed at applicants with specific work experiences or language skills, including those in healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture/agri-food sectors, along with strong French proficiency.

The resumption of Express Entry draws signals a proactive movement by the IRCC to maintain a vibrant, skilled workforce entering Canada. Aspiring immigrants should note that the draw patterns are informed by the nation’s economic needs and capacity. Continuous updates and an understanding of the Express Entry system’s nuances are vital for anyone aiming to make Canada their new home.

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