Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently carried out the initial Express Entry draw of 2024, taking place on January 10, 2023. The results revealed that 1,510 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to eligible candidates from all three Express Entry-managed programs in an all-program draw. Notably, the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for successful ITA recipients in this draw stood at 546.
Express Entry serves as Canada’s application management system for immigration applications from three economic-class permanent residence immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Since June 2023, Canada has been conducting both “standard” and category-based draws for Express Entry.
In “standard” Express Entry draws, emphasis is primarily placed on a candidate’s CRS score, a numeric value assigned based on various human capital factors. The process involves candidates self-assessing their eligibility, creating an online profile, receiving a CRS score upon entering the Express Entry candidate pool, and subsequently being issued ITAs during draws if their scores surpass the cut-off determined for that round.
Additionally, category-based draws are aimed at attracting foreign nationals with specific work experience or proficiencies to address labour market challenges in Canada. While IRCC currently prioritizes candidates with specific qualifications, the department retains the flexibility to conduct annual reviews and modify eligible categories as necessary. This evolving story will be updated in the event of further Express Entry draws by IRCC during the week.
2025 Update—Canada’s Express Entry system saw some changes in 2025, with new immigration categories added and others adjusted to meet shifting workforce demands. One of the most significant updates was the addition of an education category, making it easier for teachers and early childhood educators to secure permanent residency. Meanwhile, the transport category was dropped, and other sectors were revised based on labor shortages.
Right now, the Express Entry categories include six main groups: French-language proficiency, healthcare and social services, STEM occupations, trades, agriculture and agri-food, and education. The idea is to attract workers in areas where there aren’t enough qualified professionals within Canada.
Recent draws have also followed this trend. A draw on March 6 invited 4,500 candidates who speak French, with a minimum CRS score of 410. A few days earlier, on March 3, 725 applicants under the Provincial Nominee Program received invitations, though they needed a much higher CRS score of 667.
