IRCC Conducts Latest Express Entry Draw, Focusing on CEC Candidates

Canada continues to make strides in welcoming skilled immigrants through its Express Entry program. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the results of its latest draw, inviting 400 candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) to apply for permanent residence. To qualify, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 539.

This recent draw follows another one held on November 18, which focused on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. That draw saw 174 individuals invited, with a much higher CRS cutoff of 816. Notably, this marks the second consecutive week of Express Entry draws, emphasizing Canada’s commitment to steadily increasing immigration numbers to address labor market demands.

Last week was particularly significant, with a total of 1,933 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued across multiple categories, including CEC, PNP, and French-language proficiency streams. This momentum aligns with Canada’s ambitious immigration targets for next year, as outlined in IRCC’s Immigration Levels Plan.

The updated Immigration Levels Plan reveals a target of 124,680 new permanent residents through the Express Entry system in 2024. Of this total, over 82,000 admissions will be directed to a new category known as the "In-Canada Focus." This category predominantly targets CEC candidates already living in Canada but may also include applicants from the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and PNP-aligned streams.

The remaining 41,700 spots are allocated to the "Federal Economic Priorities" category. This stream focuses on candidates with professional expertise in high-demand industries critical to Canada’s labor market.

Express Entry is Canada’s flagship system for managing applications for permanent residence. It oversees three primary immigration programs:

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

Applicants are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which evaluates factors like age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability. Additional points are awarded for having family in Canada, being bilingual, or possessing a provincial nomination, which adds a substantial 600 points to an applicant’s CRS score.

By consistently holding draws, Canada aims to select candidates who best meet its economic and labor needs. Those with higher CRS scores have the best chances of receiving an ITA, allowing them to take the next step toward permanent residency.

The latest draw trends underscore Canada’s emphasis on targeted immigration. This year has seen draws focusing on French-speaking candidates, healthcare workers, and professionals in STEM and trade occupations, among others. Each of these categories reflects Canada's long-term economic priorities and its strategy to address specific labor shortages.

As Canada welcomes thousands of skilled immigrants through its Express Entry system, the government’s consistent efforts showcase its commitment to economic growth and community-building.