The primary immigration route for skilled workers in Canada, Express Entry, has seen a lot of activity in 2024. The government’s continued commitment to welcoming immigrants is shown in the most recent changes, which were released in August.
The most recent draw on August 26, 2024, was a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) specific draw, issuing 1,121 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 694.
This draw exclusively targeted candidates who had already received a provincial nomination, significantly boosting their CRS scores and chances of receiving an ITA.
Overview of the draw
The August 26, 2024, Express Entry draw focused exclusively on candidates nominated through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). A total of 1,121 invitations were issued, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement of 694.
In the August 26, 2024, Express Entry draw, a tie-breaking rule was applied with a timestamp of August 3, 2024, at 18:54:27 UTC. This means that if multiple candidates had the same CRS score of 694, only those who submitted their Express Entry profiles before this date and time received an Invitation to Apply (ITA). The tie-breaking rule ensures fairness in the selection process when many candidates have identical scores.
This draw highlights Canada’s emphasis on provincial nominees who play a crucial role in meeting specific regional labor market needs. As PNP candidates received additional points, this draw had a higher CRS cut-off compared to general draws.
August 2024 Express Entry Draws
- August 15, 2024 Draw
On August 15, 2024, a targeted draw for French-speaking candidates was conducted, with 2,000 ITAs issued and a CRS score of 430.
- August 14, 2024 Draw
Earlier in August, on the 14th, the Express Entry system issued 3,200 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 509 in a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw. This draw reflects the IRCC’s focus on facilitating the transition of temporary workers and international graduates already in Canada to permanent residency. - August 13, 2024 Draw
A day before, on August 13, 2024, a PNP-specific draw was held, issuing 763 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 690. These back-to-back draws demonstrate the IRCC’s strategy of alternating between PNP and CEC draws, ensuring a balanced intake of candidates.
Record-Setting Year for Express Entry
2024 is on track to be a record-breaking year for Express Entry, with over 75,000 ITAs issued by the end of August across 33 draws. July alone saw a record of 25,125 ITAs issued in nine separate draws, emphasizing the IRCC’s efforts to meet its ambitious immigration targets.
The Return Of CEC Draws
In 2024, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws resumed, with a total of four draws conducted so far. These draws have typically issued around an average of 5000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) per round.
The trend in CRS scores for CEC draws this year has seen a gradual decline, starting at around 522 and dropping slightly as the year progressed.
This trend indicates the government’s focus on easing the transition for temporary residents already working or studying in Canada, making it easier for them to obtain permanent residency.
Overview of Draws this Year
| Immigration Program | No. of Draws | Total Invitations | Average CRS Score | Lowest CRS Score | Highest CRS Score |
| General or No Program | 9 | 14,445 | 536 | 524 | 549 |
| Targeted Draw for French Speakers | 7 | 19,400 | 387 | 336 | 420 |
| Agriculture and Agri-food Draw | 1 | 150 | 437 | 437 | 437 |
| Transport – targeted Draw | 1 | 975 | 430 | 430 | 430 |
| STEM Targeted Draw | 1 | 4,500 | 491 | 491 | 491 |
| Healthcare Targeted Draw | 2 | 7,250 | 433.5 | 422 | 445 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 4 | 17,500 | 516 | 509 | 522 |
| Trades Targeted Draws | 1 | 18,00 | 436 | 436 | 436 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 7 | 9,643 | 688 | 663 | 739 |
This table provides an overview of the different Express Entry draws in 2024, highlighting the number of draws, total invitations, and CRS score trends across various immigration programs.
Trends and Implications
Canada’s focus on targeted draws for specific groups, such as French speakers, Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates, and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants, represents a strategic shift in 2024. These targeted draws align with Canada’s economic and demographic needs, ensuring a more tailored approach to immigration.
The CRS cut-off scores for these draws vary, often being lower for targeted groups like French speakers and CEC candidates, making it easier for them to receive invitations. This shift highlights Canada’s commitment to regional and linguistic diversity, as well as addressing labor market demands through PNP selections.
What to Expect?
Predicting the timing of the next Express Entry draw is always a mix of anticipation and speculation, especially given the dynamic nature of Canada’s immigration system. With recent trends and the heightened interest in STEM occupations, there’s a strong possibility that the next draw could focus on STEM candidates.
Given the importance of tech and innovation in Canada’s economic landscape, many are eagerly awaiting a STEM-specific draw. While the exact timing is uncertain, there is a chance that the draw could occur as soon as tomorrow.
Alternatively, the draw could target other sectors such as agriculture, trade, healthcare, or French-speaking candidates, depending on current priorities and labor market needs. However, the growing anticipation for a STEM draw reflects its significant role in Canada’s future growth and development.
These updates indicate a dynamic and responsive approach by the Canadian government to meet the evolving needs of the economy and population through immigration. As Canada continues to refine its immigration policies, Express Entry remains a critical pathway for skilled immigrants looking to make Canada their new home. For those planning to apply, staying informed about the latest draws, CRS score distributions, and targeted categories is crucial to increasing your chances of receiving an ITA.
