When is the Next Express Entry Draw?

This is your go-to source for the latest trends and predictions on Canada’s Express Entry draws! Each month, we provide timely information on upcoming draw dates, recent trends, and valuable insights to help you stay informed about your immigration options to Canada.

Here we offer a detailed look at how these crucial elements have changed over recent years and what we can anticipate for 2024, providing a deeper understanding of the dynamic landscape of Canadian immigration. Continue reading to explore our predictions for the Express Entry draws in 2024.

Trends in Express Entry Draws of 2024

As we dissect the dynamics of the Express Entry draws during the first trimester of 2024, we noticed that the frequency and characteristics of these draws have been notably diverse. This period illustrated how various factors such as policy decisions, administrative adjustments, and strategic immigration targets have continued to mould the Canadian immigration landscape.

Draws in the First Quarter of 2024

The year began with January’s unusual pattern of three draws all targeting the “General” category, indicating IRCC’s strategic intent to address specific needs within the skilled workforce.

February saw increased activity with six diverse draws: two general, two focused on French language proficiency to support Francophone immigration, and two targeting healthcare and agriculture occupations, reflecting urgent national and regional needs.

March balanced general and specialized needs with four draws: two general, one for transport occupations to address sector shortages, and another for French proficiency, reinforcing the commitment to cultural and linguistic diversity.

Draws in the Second Quarter of 2024

Building on the dynamic patterns observed in the first quarter of 2024, the subsequent months continued to reflect IRCC’s strategic diversity.

April featured two general draws, along with specialized ones for STEM professions and French language proficiency, aiming to address specific skill shortages and support Francophone immigration.

After a quiet period with no draws in early May, the action resumed dramatically towards the end with two significant draws. One for the Canadian Experience Class, its first since September 2021, targeted individuals with established work experience in Canada. Another draw for the Provincial Nominee Program, the first since October 2023, catered to specific regional labor needs. These draws illustrate IRCC’s adept handling of immigration to meet both broad and specific economic objectives.

In June, one draw only took place on the 19th for the Provincial Nominee Program.

Draws in the Third Quarter of 2024

The third quarter of 2024 began strong with 9 draws in July; 2 for French Language Proficiency, 1 for Healthcare, 1 for Trade Occupations, 2 for Canadian Class Experience and 2 for Provincial Nominee Program.

August saw also targeted draws, including a Provincial Nominee Program draw, a Canadian Experience Class and a French Language Proficiency draw. In total, 5 draws had been held in August; 2 for Provincial Nominee Program, 2 for Canadian Class Experience and 1 for French language proficiency.

In September, two draws were held, 1 for Provincial Nominee Program and 1 Canadian Experience Class.

Draws in the Fourth Quarter of 2024

The fourth quarter of 2024 has officially begun, and draws are ongoing. There were 6 draws in October; 2 for Provincial Nominee Program, 2 for Canadian Experience Class, 1 French Language Proficiency draw, and 1 for Trade Occupations.

November saw 6 draws; 1 for the Provincial Nominee Program, 1 for Healthcare Occupations, 2 for Canadian Experience Class and 2 French Language Proficiency.

Draws for the month of December have officially started with 3 draws so far; 2 for the Provincial Nominee Program and 1 for French Language Proficiency draw. The draws of December are ongoing and will be updated regularly as more draws take place.

Express Entry Next Draw Prediction 2024

Prediction of upcoming Draw Dates

To predict when the next Express Entry draw might occur, it’s helpful to look at the frequency and pattern of the previous draws in 2024. It appears that draws are consistently happening about every two weeks, often on consecutive days or closely spaced within the same week.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the pattern of the latest EE Draws:

• July 2 and 4 and 5 and 8, 2024
• July 16 and 17 and 18, 2024
• July 30 and 31, 2024
• August 13 and 14 and 15, 2024
• August 26 and 27, 2024
• September 9 and 19, 2024
• October 7 and 9 and 10 and 21 and 22 and 23, 2024
• November 12 and 13 and 15 and 18 and 19 and 20, 2024
• December 2 and 3 and 16, 2024

The number of draws in the last months were exceptionally high. Given the usual patterns, you can expect the next Express Entry draw likely to happen about two weeks after the last draw, which was on December 16, 2024.

Therefore, the next draw could reasonably be expected in the New Year by January 1st, if the pattern continues as it has in the previous months.

When can we expect a new draw: January 1, 2025

Predictions for Upcoming Draw Categories: Which categories can we expect?

Prioritizing draws for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in Canada’s Express Entry system reveals specific strategic aims.

Firstly, it underscores the importance of local experience, valuing immigrants who have already adapted to the Canadian work environment. Secondly, PNPs address specific regional labour demands, supporting local economic strategies and ensuring that immigration benefits are dispersed across various regions. Additionally, this targeted approach likely improves retention rates, as these immigrants are already integrated into their communities and workplaces. Notably, Trade occupations, have seen just two targeted draws this year and are anticipated to feature prominently in the coming weeks.

On the other hand, particularly noteworthy is the increasing importance of French language proficiency draws this year. These are becoming more frequent and with high number of invitations per draw, this could be due to Canada’s rising target for Francophone immigration across all provinces, not just the French-speaking ones. This focus supports the nation’s bilingual goals and broadens the cultural diversity of incoming immigrants.

Which categories can we expect in the upcoming draws: Trade occupations, French language proficiency, and General

Latest Express Entry Draws in 2024

For newcomers hoping to benefit from the Express Entry system, understanding these patterns and preparing accordingly can significantly influence their chances of success.

The shift from a regular bi-weekly schedule to a more varied and strategic draw pattern underscores the importance of staying informed and prepared as potential candidates. The first Semester of 2024 sets a precedent for a dynamic year in Canadian immigration, highlighting the need for applicants to remain adaptable and informed about potential opportunities.

Express Entry draws held in 2023

Lowest and Highest CRS Scores of 2023

1. Agriculture and agri-food occupations
   • Highest: 437
   • Lowest: 354
2. Federal Skilled Worker
   • Highest: 489
   • Lowest: 389
3. French language proficiency
   • Highest: 486
   • Lowest: 365
4. General
   • Highest: 561
   • Lowest: 542
5. Healthcare occupations
   • Highest: 561
   • Lowest: 542
6. No Program Specified
   • Highest: 531
   • Lowest: 481
7. Provincial Nominee Program
   • Highest:791
   • Lowest: 691
8. STEM occupations
   • Highest: 486
   • Lowest: 481
9. Trade occupations
   • Highest: 425
   • Lowest: 388

Express Entry Draw Archives: 2022 and Prior Years

Express Entry Pool Size Today – Total Candidates

The IRCC updates the number of people in the Express Entry pool on the week that the invitation rounds takes place. Numbers change as new profiles are submitted, profiles expire or are issued an ITA.

As of today the composition of the Express Entry pool is:

Express Entry Pool of Candidates