Living in Canada Newcomers to Canada

Recent Express Entry Draws Recap

By: Mariam Baher

Last week, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted five draws through various Express Entry (EE) streams which is a significant number of draws in just a few days. These draws resulted in the issuance of a total of 4,374 Invitations to Apply (ITAs).

Among them, invitations were issued across the French Language Proficiency stream, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Specific stream, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Healthcare stream. We saw a large influx of ITAs in each of these EE categories; 800 candidates were invited under the French Language Proficiency stream, 174 ITAs were issued in the PNP Specific Draw, 400 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates received invitations, and 3,000 candidates were invited through the Healthcare stream.

Canadian Experience Class Draw

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) targets skilled workers with Canadian work experience who are seeking permanent residency. Last week, two CEC draws took place on November 13 and November 19, 2024. In Express Entry draw #323 held on November 13, a total of 400 CEC candidates were invited, with the lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score set at 547. This was an increase in the CRS score from the previous CEC draw #320, which saw a minimum score of 539.

Six days later, on November 19, 2024, another 400 candidates received ITAs through the CEC stream in Express Entry draw #326. However, in this draw, the lowest CRS score decreased to 539, down from the previous 547 score we saw in the November 13 draw.

French Language Proficiency stream

In Express Entry draw #324,  which was held on November 15, 2024, 800 candidates with French language proficiency were invited to apply through this stream. Candidates in this draw had a with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 478. This draw and CRS score reflects Canada’s strategic efforts to increase the number of French-speaking immigrants, aligning with the government’s broader goal of prioritizing linguistic diversity nationwide. With targeted initiatives aimed at increasing francophone immigration outside of Quebec, the Canadian government is focused on fostering both economic and cultural growth across the country.

PNP Specific Draw

On November 18, 2024, ITAs were issued in Express Entry Draw #325, specifically for candidates nominated in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream. A total of 174 ITAs were issued, with the lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) being an impressive 816. The PNP stream is intended for candidates who have received a nomination from a Canadian province or territory. These provincial and territorial nominations help specific regions choose particular candidates in efforts to address their regional labor shortages and to help support their population growth.

Healthcare Occupations Stream

The most recent Express Entry draw #327 held on November 20^th, issued the highest number of ITAs last week. 3,000 invitations were extended to candidates who had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 463. These candidates were selected through the Healthcare Occupations stream, suggesting both the large pool of highly skilled healthcare professionals and Canada’s commitment to attracting talent in the healthcare sector.

The recent issuance of 4,374 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) over just a few days indicates more opportunity for those looking to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry. If you’re ready to take the next step and want to be among the next group of candidates receiving an ITA, we can help. Contact us today to help assess your eligibility into one of the various immigration streams available to you based on your situation.