Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has held its second Express Entry draw this week, issuing an additional 3,200 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates seeking Canadian immigration. Below are the details of the August 14, 2024, Express Entry draw.

In this program-specific draw, 3,200 ITAs were granted to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 509. This follows the draw on August 13, 2024, where 763 ITAs were issued to candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), with a minimum CRS score of 690.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is the system that IRCC uses to manage economic immigration applications for three specific programs:

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

Since June 2023, IRCC has implemented three types of Express Entry draws to invite new immigrants to Canada:

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

Below is a breakdown of these draw types.

General and Program-Specific Express Entry Draws

Both general and program-specific draws are primarily based on the CRS scores of immigration candidates.

CRS scores are numerical values that candidates receive based on key factors such as age, work experience, education, and language proficiency. Higher scores improve the chances of receiving an ITA in a draw.

To receive an ITA through one of these draws, candidates must follow three steps:

1. Confirm eligibility for one of the Express Entry 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 score exceeds the cut-off required for an ITA.

Note: An ITA is the only way a candidate can submit an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR) to IRCC.

For more information, visit the official IRCC Express Entry webpage.

Category-Based Express Entry Draws

Since June 2023, IRCC has introduced category-based draws to attract candidates with specialized skills and experience in specific industries. These draws are designed to help Canada meet pressing labor market and demographic needs.

Candidates selected in category-based draws typically have experience in one of the following six fields:

1. Healthcare
2. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
3. Trades
4. Transport
5. Agriculture and Agri-Food

Alternatively, candidates with strong French language proficiency may also receive ITAs during these draws.

Earlier this year, IRCC confirmed that these six categories will remain a priority moving forward, as they align with Canada’s economic and labor goals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Canada’s multi-tiered Express Entry system continues to adapt to the nation’s evolving economic and labor needs, with both program-specific and category-based draws enhancing the focus on critical skills. The August 14, 2024, draw highlights IRCC’s commitment to welcoming skilled immigrants in targeted fields, further supporting Canada’s long-term growth and workforce demands. With ongoing innovations in the Express Entry system, candidates have diverse pathways to secure permanent residency and contribute to Canada’s vibrant economy and community.

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