The recent updates in the Express Entry system have generated considerable excitement in the Canadian immigration landscape.
Today’s Express Entry draw, the third one this week, saw the issuance of only 150 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a targeted round focusing on agriculture and agri-food occupations. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff score for this draw was 437.
In a previous draw on February 15, 3,500 ITAs were issued in a healthcare-targeted round, with a CRS cutoff score of 422.
Additionally, on February 13, 1,490 fortunate individuals received ITAs for Canadian permanent residency (PR) in a general draw. This draw, like others, utilized the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), with a minimum score requirement set at 535 or higher.
Below is an overview of the most recent Express Entry draw:
| Description | February 16, 2024 | February 14, 2024 | February 13, 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Draw Type | Agriculture and agri-food occupations | Healthcare occupations | General |
| Invitations | 150 | 3,500 | 1,490 |
| CRS Cutoff | 437 | 422 | 535 |
| Tie-breaking Rule | January 29, 2024, at 03:32:58 UTC | January 30, 2024, at 02:39:54 UTC | February 11, 2024, at 15:26:56 UTC |
Tie-breaking plays a crucial role in the Express Entry system when multiple candidates have identical CRS scores. The cutoff is determined based on the day and time of their profile submission, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.
Previous Express Entry Draws in 2024
| Date | Round type | Invitations issued | CRS score cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 1, 2024 | French language proficiency (2023-1) | 7,000 | 365 |
| January 31, 2024 | General | 730 | 541 |
| January 23, 2024 | General | 1,040 | 543 |
| January 10, 2024 | General | 1,510 | 546 |
The immigration environment is constantly changing, and candidates are consistently monitoring for the most recent developments.
In the latest draw held on February 1, 2024, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) granted 7,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a specialized draw targeting individuals with advanced French language skills.
This particular draw assessed profiles with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 365 or higher. Those interested in obtaining a thorough overview of the initial general Express Entry draw for today, 2024, can consult the official documentation.
The score distribution in the most recent CRS draw illustrates the varied range of candidates:
| CRS score range | Number of candidates |
|---|---|
| 601-1200 | 587 |
| 501-600 | 9,004 |
| 451-500 | 60,043 |
| 491-500 | 7,285 |
| 481-490 | 10,016 |
| 471-480 | 17,431 |
| 461-470 | 13,750 |
| 451-460 | 11,561 |
| 401-450 | 51,356 |
| 441-450 | 10,514 |
| 431-440 | 10,752 |
| 421-430 | 9,445 |
| 411-420 | 10,283 |
| 401-410 | 10,362 |
| 351-400 | 55,850 |
| 301-350 | 29,141 |
| 0-300 | 5,292 |
| Total | 211,273 |
The Express Entry pool has reached a total of 211,273 candidates, highlighting the competitive nature of the system.
Over the years, Express Entry has undergone changes, incorporating targeted draws to address specific skill shortages in Canada.
In May 2023, the IRCC expressed its intention to conduct invitation rounds aimed at individuals possessing in-demand skills, which are considered beneficial to Canada’s workforce and economy.
Notably, one of the categories focuses on Express Entry candidates who demonstrate proficiency in the French language. The remaining five categories prioritize candidates with work experience in industries experiencing workforce shortages, such as technology.
These targeted draws align with the Federal High Skilled (Express Entry) worker targets outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan. Canada’s goal is to admit up to 114,000 new permanent residents annually through Express Entry by the end of 2025.
The score distribution in the most recent CRS draw illustrates the varied range of candidates:
Express Entry serves as an application management system that encompasses three primary economic immigration programs: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trades (FSTP).
The Comprehensive Ranking System evaluates candidates based on human capital variables, including work experience, language proficiency, education, age, and occupation.
As Canada continues its embrace of skilled immigrants through Express Entry, the system remains a guiding light for those aspiring to establish Canada as their permanent home.
The most recent draw signals opportunities for skilled individuals to contribute to Canada’s diverse and thriving communities. Stay tuned for further updates as the Express Entry journey unfolds.
