Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its second Express Entry draw this week. Here’s a look at the results from the July 31, 2024 draw.

In this round, 5,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 510. This follows a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw held on July 30, 2024, where 964 ITAs were issued to candidates with a minimum CRS score of 686.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is Canada’s system for managing immigration applications for three economic programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Since June 2023, IRCC has adopted three different types of Express Entry draws to issue ITAs:

• General Draws
• Program-Specific Draws
• Category-Based Draws

Here’s how these draw types work.

General and Program-Specific Express Entry Draws

General and program-specific draws select candidates based primarily on their CRS scores.

A CRS score is a numerical value that IRCC assigns to each eligible candidate based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. These scores are used to rank candidates and determine their eligibility for receiving ITAs.

Candidates seeking an ITA through these draw types must complete the following steps:

1. Confirm eligibility for one of the three Express Entry-managed programs (FSWP, FSTP, or CEC).
2. Create an online profile with IRCC and receive a CRS score.
3. Wait for an Express Entry draw to see if their CRS score meets or exceeds the cut-off for receiving an ITA.

Note: Candidates must have a CRS score higher than the cut-off to receive an ITA. Without an ITA, no Express Entry candidate can submit an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR) to IRCC.

Category-Based Express Entry Draws

First introduced in May 2023, category-based draws are a new initiative by IRCC to target immigration candidates with specific skills and experience that address Canada’s critical labor and demographic needs.

IRCC held its first category-based draw on June 28, 2023.

For 2024, IRCC has focused on attracting candidates with experience or proficiency in the following areas:

• Healthcare
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
• Trades
• Transport
• Agriculture and Agri-Food
• Strong French language skills

These targeted draws are designed to fill the most pressing gaps in Canada’s labor market, helping the country attract candidates who can contribute to key industries and support national growth.