New Express Entry Draw | Canada Invites 924 in New PNP Draw

Latest Express Entry Draws Results

Canada invites candidates each year through several draws to meet the country’s needs. Canada’s latest express entry draw was in October 2024. 

1800 candidates received an invitation to apply for permanent residency on October 23, 2024, during the Express Entry draw #321, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 433. 

Draw #321 was focused on trade occupations to address Canada’s workforce shortage in specific occupations, including carpenters, construction workers, and electricians. 

In this blog post, we will take a thorough look at Canada’s Express Entry draws, the Comprehensive Ranking System, and new changes in Canada’s draws. 

Express Entry Draw #321 – October 23rd, 2024: The most recent Express Entry Draw

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 1800 invitations to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry draw #321. 

This draw was announced on October 23rd, 2024, and was Canada’s last draw till today. The Federal government of Canada focused on trade occupations in this draw. 

This draw also included a tie-breaking rule, candidates with the same CRS score were selected based on their profile submission date. IRCC prioritized candidates who submitted their profiles before March 12, 2024. 

IRCC started category-based draws in 2023 to meet Canada’s workforce shortage. Canada is trying to attract talent that is directly aligned with the country’s economic needs. 

Accordingly, Express Entry draw #321 focused on specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes including carpenters, construction millwrights, industrial mechanics, contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers, servicers, electricians, and elevator constructors, and mechanics.

What is an Express Entry Draw?

An Express Entry draw is the process by Canada’s government to invite eligible candidates to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry. Express Entry is Canada’s main pathway for permanent residency for skilled people. 

Eligible individuals must send their request by submitting an Express Entry profile. The government will assign a score to each candidate, using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). 

The CRS scores are given based on factors such as the candidate’s age, education, work experience, language proficiency, etc.

The Express Entry pathway includes three main programs:

• The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• The Federal Trades Worker Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Additionally, many provinces participate in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to attract candidates from the Express Entry pool according to the province’s workforce needs. Applicants nominated through PNP receive an extra 600 points.

After a score is assigned, candidates will enter “the pool”. Candidates aligned with Canada’s specific needs will be invited to apply for permanent residency through an Express Entry Draw.

Canada has several types of draws: 

• Regular draws: The government sets a minimum cutoff score for each draw. Candidates who meet or exceed the minimum score will receive an invitation. 

• Category-based draws: Category-based draws were introduced in 2023. These draws aim to attract candidates specialized in certain categories, such as health care or technology. Canada plans to fill the country’s workforce gap in areas with higher needs. 

Candidates who receive an invitation to apply (ITA) during a draw have 60 days to submit their application for permanent residency. Typically, IRCC processes these applications within 6 months. 

Express Entry Draws Results

Draws usually take place every two weeks. However, there might be exceptions. You will receive an invitation to apply on your IRCC portal if selected in an Express Entry draw. You may also receive an email notifying you about your invitation as well. 

The minimum CRS score and the number of ITAs issued may vary in each draw. You can evaluate your acceptance chance by analyzing the last draw results. 

Here are the results of the last Express Entry draws: 

IRCC has announced the new immigration levels recently. The government is targeting Canada’s special needs through the new immigration levels. They are focusing on attracting immigrants more aligned with the country’s needs. 

This includes attracting skilled immigrants aligned with each province’s special workforce needs and attracting more French-speaking immigrants to enrich the francophone culture. 

Canada’s last Express Entry Draw is the first draw focused on French-speaking immigrants. Also, the last draws are more focused on immigrants already in the country (CEC), and immigrants applying through the Provincial Nominee program. 

Why Is The CRS Score So High For Express Entry?

Entering Canada through Express Entry is a highly competitive pathway. Many individuals from all over the globe try their chance through different programs included in this pathway. 

Many applicants show a strong profile with high education levels and extensive work experience. This makes the competition more challenging. 

On the other hand, changes in the Express Entry system impact the minimum CRS score level in various ways. 

For instance, recently Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada is showing more interest in candidates applying through the Provincial Nominee program. 

Applicants nominated by a province or territory receive an extra 600 CRS points, which elevates the minimum CRS score in the Express Entry draws drastically. 

Additionally, Canada is showing more interest in transitioning temporary residents to permanent ones through Canadian Experience Class. Applicants applying through this program also receive extra points, which increases the minimum CRS score. 

Moreover, Canada has issued fewer ITAs through the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Trades Worker Program in the last few draws, which makes the competition more challenging. 

Master Your Express Entry Journey

Becoming a permanent resident of Canada through the Express Entry program has become more challenging in recent years. However, you can still have your shot. Build a strong profile to get the highest CRS score you can get. 

Language proficiency is an excellent way to increase your CRS score. Additionally, proficiency in both English and French can increase your points significantly. Take the tests again if needed to get the desirable results. 

A higher education level can increase your score. Consider an additional diploma or degree recognized in Canada. 

IRCC prioritizes applicants already in Canada and well-integrated into Canadian society. Consider working in Canada as a temporary resident if possible. You can apply through a Post-Graduate Work Permit or other temporary work permits available. 

You can apply through CEC by showing a year of full-time work experience in Canada or the equivalent time. This program is currently one of Canada’s priorities. 

If you are bringing your spouse or common-law partner with you, you can increase your CRS score by showing your spouse’s language proficiency or work experience. 

Consider the Provincial Nominee program by indicating your interest in your Express Entry profile or applying directly to the provinces or territories. If nominated, you will receive an extra 600 points.

Why is There an Increase in PNP Draws?

Canada has made a few updates and modifications to its immigration policies to address each province’s special needs more precisely. There are multiple reasons for this new approach. 

Meeting labor market needs: Each province may have its special needs regarding the workforce. Provinces use the Provincial Nominee program to address their specific needs and attract immigrants with the exact needed specialties, such as healthcare, construction, etc.

Decentralized approach: The scoring system of the federal Express Entry system typically prioritizes candidates with higher education, etc. The PNP on the other hand, addressed each province’s local needs. 

The focus on PNP enables attracting candidates who may not get the minimum needed score naturally but can be aligned with a province’s special needs. This ensures a more tailored and effective immigration strategy.

When Will The Express Entry CRS Drop For General Draws?

Regarding Canada’s new policies, a CRS score drop is not likely. The minimum CRS score in each draw is expected to remain above 530. 

Since Canada is focusing on targeted draws, if applying for permanent residency through the Express Entry pathway, consider elevating your score.

There are various options to consider to increase your CRS score. You can consider proficiency in French since Canada is focusing on enriching its Francophone culture. 

You can also consider getting a diploma or degree from Canada or working in Canada with a temporary work permit. This way, you can later transition to permanent residency through Canadian Experience Class. 

Getting a nomination from a province or territory is another way to ensure that an invitation is received to apply for permanent residency.

What is the recent trend in Express Entry Draws? 110,000 people to come to Canada through Express Entry in 2024

In 2024, the Express Entry system was more focused on targeted invitations and fewer but more strategic draws. The most recent draws focused on PNP and CEC programs aligning with IRCC’s latest immigration levels. 

Canada’s new immigration levels plan for 2024 to 2027 is aimed to:

• Reduce the number of temporary residents by transitioning to permanent residents.
• More focus on targeted invitation of candidates, to enhance Canada’s local economy. 
• Build or enrich French-speaking communities by attracting French-speaking applicants in various federal provinces.

Canada has optimized its Express Entry system to achieve these targets. Canada has reduced the number of draws to ensure the draws are aligned with the new targets. 

IRCC is prioritizing transitioning individuals already in the country with temporary residency, such as students and temporary workers. The government has focused on transitioning these individuals into permanent residents through programs such as CEC. 

There are more draws focused on the Provincial Nominee Program, as the government is focusing on responding to each province’s exact workforce needs. 

Also, the last draw was designated to French-speaking candidates for the first time, showing the government’s interest in attracting francophone candidates. 

What can we expect from future Express Entry Draws?

Future Express Entry draws are expected to continue focusing on specific strategies such as attracting individuals already in the country, French-speaking individuals, and individuals with skills aligned with provinces’ needs.

As a result, the CRS scores continue to be highly competitive. Besides, draws will probably be more focused on programs such as PNP and CEC. there also will be a trend on attracting French-speaking candidates.

Here are what we can expect from future Express Entry draws in detail:

• Focus on in-Canada candidates: The government is aiming at settling temporary residents by transitioning them into permanent residents. This strategy is taking place through programs such as CEC. 

• Increased focus on Provincial Nominee Program: This program allows inviting candidates aligned with local workforce needs of Canada. Each province or territory can have its own PNP and attract candidates who will fill the local workforce gap. 

Candidates nominated by a province or territory will automatically receive an extra 600 points. This ensures that the candidate will receive an invitation to apply.  

• More draws designated to targeted sectors: Canada will continue to invite applicants aligned with the country’s economic strategies. The government will address applicants with a background in specific areas such as healthcare, technology, construction, and manufacturing.

• Competition on CRS scores: The CRS score thresholds will remain competitive, particularly for non-PNP candidates. Data from the most recent calls show that the score cutoff will probably remain above 500 points. 

This trend makes additional qualifications such as strong education background, extensive work experience, and proficiency in both English and French will become important. 

Latest CRS Score Distribution in the Express Entry pool- How does yours compare?

Taking a look at the latest CRS score distribution in the Express Entry pool can show how competitive the scores are. Here is an overview on the number of candidates in each score category. 

A glance at the distribution of CRS scores can help you understand where you are standing and what are your chances. 

If your CRS score stands above 490, you are in a competitive range for most draws and you have a good chance to receive an invitation to apply (ITA).

If your score falls between 451-490, you may still have a chance in some draws. However, it is not that likely. 

But if your score is below 450, you may require additional measures to raise your score. You can consider acquiring higher language test results or an additional diploma or other degree from a Canadian school, etc.

Express Entry CRS score cut-off all-time records

The CRS score cut-off is the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score that will receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency in a draw.

The CRS score cut-off has shown fluctuations in recent years, due to the updates and changes to the Express Entry system policies. 

The lowest ever CRS score cut-off was 75 during a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program. 

This draw was announced on Feb 13, 2021 and was aligned with the government’s intent to transition temporary residents of Canada into permanent residents. 

The highest CRS cut-off record took place in one of the earliest draws when the Express Entry pathway was launched in January 2015. The minimum score of this draw was 886. 

What is the lowest CRS score cut-off in any Express Entry draw

The lowest CRS score cut-off of all time was 75 in all programs. It occurred in a draw designated to Canadian Experience Class applicants. 27,332 candidates received an invitation to apply for residency during this draw. 

The second lowest cut-off of all time was 199 for a Federal Skilled Trades Program draw. 

What is the highest CRS score cut-off in any Express Entry draw

The highest all-time record for the CRS score cut-off is 886 in all programs. However, the Provincial Nominee Program has a higher record of 902. Note that PNP adds an extra 600 points to the applicants score and increases the total score significantly. 

How do Express Entry Draws work?

Eligible applicants who successfully submitted their profile will enter a pool of potential Canada immigrants. 

A score is assigned to each applicant using the Comprehensive Ranking System of Canada (CRS). 

During regular draws (usually announced every two weeks), the Canada government will select candidates who will receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency (ITA).

Applicants will receive an ITA based on their CRS score and the draw’s priorities. After receiving the invitation, candidates should apply for permanent residency within 6 months.

How do IRCC determine the CRS cut off for each draw?

The IRCC determines the CRS score cut off based on the number of invitations they want to issue and the overall pool of candidates available and their diversity. 

The government may also prioritize special programs or sections in a draw, which can affect the cut off. 

If the focus of the draw is on programs such as PNP, the cut-off may increase drastically. But if the draw is focusing on candidates within the Canada (CEC program for example), the cut off can be lower. 

How do I calculate my Express Entry CRS score?

Various factors can affect your total CRS score including:

• Age: Younger candidates will receive additional scores. Candidates between 20-29 will receive 100 points (110 if applying with their spouse or common-law partner). 

The scores will decrease for the older candidates. Candidates older than 45 will not receive any points. 

• Education: You will earn extra points for your education with a maximum of 150 points if you have a PhD.

• Language proficiency: Being proficient both in English and French can elevate your score for up to 136

• Work experience: You can earn up to 80 extra points if you show extensive work experience during the last 10 years. 

• Spouse or common-law partner: if you are bringing your spouse or common-law partner with you, you will receive up to 40 extra points.

• Skills transferability factors: You will receive extra points if you show a combination of education, work experience, and language proficiency, since your skills are more transferable into the Canadian market. 

Also, you can receive additional points under certain circumstances: 

• Having a provincial nomination
• Having a Canadian job offer
• Having siblings in Canada
• Proving proficiency in both English and French

To estimate your CRS score, you can consult a lawyer or use the official CRS calculator on IRCC’s website. Note that the tool provides you with an estimation and the result may differ from your final result. 

When is the next Express Entry draw predicted?

The Express Entry draws have been conducted twice a month. It is typically announced every two weeks on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Accordingly, the expected next Express Entry draw is predicted to be on November 20th. 

How often do Express Entry Draws happen?

The Express Entry draws usually happen every two weeks, that is twice a month. However, Canada is focusing on decreasing the number of draws and making them more strategic. 

What time of the day do Express Entry Draws happen?

The draws are usually announced in the afternoon but with no exact set time. They are usually announced on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays and can happen anytime. 

You can get informed about your situation through your profile. You will probably receive an email as well. 

What is the minimum score for Express Entry?

The minimum score for Express Entry varies from one draw to another. It depends on factors such as the number of ITAs the government plans to issue, the number and diversity of applicants in the pool, and the program the draw is focusing on. 

However, according to recent draws, to have a good chance of receiving an ITA, you need at least 490 points.

What is the cut-off score for Canada PR (Permanent residence)?

 The cut-off score is the minimum score you need to obtain to receive an invitation in  a draw. The cut-off score announced for each draw may be different from previous or next draws. However, the cut-off score of recent draws was usually above 500 points.

What is the largest Express Entry draw?

The largest Express Entry draw took place on July 17, 2024. On that day 6,300 ITAs were issued for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. 

The second largest Express Entry draw took place on January 1, 2015 in which 5000 ITAs were issued for CEC candidates. 

Will Canadian Experience Class or CEC draws continue?

The government has announced their will to decrease the number of Canada;s temporary residents by transitioning them into permanent residents. 

Canada has made this decision since in-Canada candidates have already integrated into the society and can be more beneficial to the country’s economy. 

The Canadian Experience Class program is a main pathway for individuals already in Canada or with a background of a one-year full-time work experience in Canada. This program is one of IRCC’s priorities for the next three years.

Which Express Entry category is IRCC using most often?

IRCC uses a variety of categories in different draws it announces. However, the majority of recent draws were assigned to CEC and PNP programs since these programs can attract more targeted. 

Recently, the Canadian government has also shown an interest in attracting French-speaking applicants. 

The most frequently used categories by IRCC includes: 

• French-speaking candidates
• Healthcare occupations
• STEM occupations including science, technology, engineering, and math fields. 
• Skilled trades
• Transport occupations
• agriculture

What to do if you receive an Express Entry invitation?

If you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your application for permanent residency. Prepare all your documents and start your application process through your profile. 

You need to pay for the application and biometric fees if required. You will be asked to do a biometrics and medical exam. 

Check your profile and email regularly and respond to any further requests of IRCC. if approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) with furhter instructions to settle in Canada.

924 PNP candidates were invited to apply for permanent residence on March 16 2022.

Only PNP candidates were invited in this round, with a CRS score of at least 754, meaning without the PNP nomination, the lowest score was 154.

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