IRCC invites 6,300 candidates from the Canadian Experience Class in the recent draw

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently conducted an Express Entry draw, inviting 6,300 candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) to apply for permanent residency. This draw marks a significant step for those looking to settle in Canada, especially for individuals with Canadian work experience.

Details of the Draw

To qualify for this round, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 515. Notably, this score represents the lowest minimum of the year for a non-category-based draw and is lower than the previous CEC-specific draw held on May 31, where the minimum was 522.

This month has seen an impressive total of 17,361 ITAs issued across six different draws, highlighting the ongoing commitment of the IRCC to facilitate immigration. Just the day before this draw, on July 16, the IRCC also invited 1,391 candidates through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-only draw, which required a higher minimum CRS score of 670.

The pattern of CRS scores in Express Entry draws reveals some interesting trends. Scores for PNP draws tend to be higher because candidates nominated through this program receive an additional 600 points, significantly boosting their chances. For instance, a candidate with a base score of 300 would end up with a total of 900 after receiving a nomination.

Here’s a quick summary of the recent draws in July:

Express Entry is an essential system for managing applications for three key immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Each of these pathways leads to permanent residency in Canada.

Candidates are evaluated based on various factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills, each contributing to their overall CRS score. This system, introduced in 2015, aims to streamline the application process, with a service standard that promises decisions within six months.

In 2023, IRCC introduced category-based selection to better target candidates who can fill urgent labor shortages in Canada. This system continues through 2025 and focuses on six specific categories:

1. Healthcare occupations
2. STEM professions
3. Trades occupations
4. Transport occupations
5. Agriculture and agri-food occupations
6. French-language proficiency

Candidates must be in the Express Entry pool to be eligible for these category draws, allowing for more focused selection that aligns with Canada’s workforce needs.

As Canada continues to issue invitations to potential newcomers, the IRCC remains dedicated to maintaining a fair and efficient immigration process. The recent draw is a positive indicator for those aspiring to contribute to Canada’s vibrant economy through the Canadian Experience Class.