The Express Entry system is a ray of hope and opportunity for many qualified immigrants. A surge of excitement and expectation greets each draw, with candidates anxiously awaiting the prospect of receiving an invitation to obtain permanent residency in Canada. There’s a tangible sense of tension as eager candidates closely follow official pronouncements, study past statistics, and observe trends.
The Frustration and Anticipation of the Next Express Entry Draw
For many potential immigrants, the wait has been fraught with growing irritation and worry since the last Express Entry draw on June 19, 2024. Candidates are nervous about the next draw, frantically updating their news feeds and painstakingly creating their profiles in anticipation of any movement. There’s a tangible sense of suspense since every day that goes without a draw raises the stakes and fuels the group’s determination to make dreams of permanent residence in Canada a reality.
Rising CRS Scores and Intensified Competition in the Express Entry System
With the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores reaching record highs, Canada’s Express Entry system has never been more competitive. The primary goal of this system is to select the most qualified candidates to meet the needs of Canada’s labor market. Over time, both the frequency and timing of Express Entry draws have fluctuated, adding another layer of complexity for applicants.
The rising CRS scores indicate a surge in highly qualified applicants. Factors contributing to this include enhanced global awareness of the program, increased numbers of international students transitioning to permanent residency, and a growing pool of skilled workers seeking opportunities in Canada. As a result, only the top-scoring candidates receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.
Evolving Draw Patterns
IRCC’s adjustments to the frequency and timing of draws reflect changing immigration priorities and policies. For instance, periods of reduced draw frequency or higher CRS cut-offs can occur when the government aims to manage application volumes or shift focus towards specific immigration categories, such as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Regularity and Internal Management
Historically, IRCC has aimed to conduct draws bi-weekly. This regularity helps streamline internal operations and ensures a manageable application flow. Deviations from this schedule can strain internal resources, making the bi-weekly draw schedule a practical and efficient choice. While IRCC strives for consistency, applicants must remain adaptable, as unforeseen changes can occur.
Historical Data and ITA Predictions
Prior to the COVID-19 epidemic, there was a reasonably consistent pattern to Express Entry draws.
There would be between 3,000 and 5,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency in each draw, with 470 points serving as the approximate cutoff threshold for the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
2023 Trends
To anticipate the nature of upcoming draws, examining historical data is crucial. In 2024, patterns reveal whether draws are general or category-specific. Analysing where Invitations to Apply (ITAs) are allocated helps predict future draw types and targeted categories. For instance, recent trends might indicate a focus on the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.
Between June 27 and August 15, 2023, IRCC conducted an unprecedented 12 Express Entry draws, a significant increase from the typical 4–8 draws seen in similar periods previously. This demonstrated IRCC’s flexibility in utilising the Express Entry system to achieve various policy objectives, raising expectations among candidates in the pool.
However, IRCC then paused draws briefly before resuming, conducting nine additional draws between September 19 and October 26. The reasons for this pause were not disclosed, leading candidates to speculate on the factors influencing IRCC’s decisions.
The start of 2024 saw regular draws in the first four months, interrupted by another brief pause in May before resuming with draws focused on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates.
In June 2024, only one draw has occurred so far, limited to profiles with provincial nominations. Expectations of subsequent draws following a pattern similar to pandemic practices—PNP followed by CEC or all-program draws—have not materialised since the June 19 draw, with no further invitations based on specific categories announced.
Predicting the rest of 2024 for Express Entry draws involves considering historical trends and current policies.Overall, while specific predictions can vary, IRCC’s actions are likely to reflect a balance between economic priorities, immigration targets, and operational capabilities throughout the remainder of 2024.
Factors Affecting Draw Frequency
1. Immigration Levels Plan
Each year, IRCC publishes an Immigration Levels Plan outlining targets for permanent resident admissions across three years. For 2024, IRCC plans to admit 110,770 immigrants through Express Entry, with increases to 117,550 in 2025 and 2026. These figures encompass principal applicants, partners, and dependents.
2. Application Queue Management
IRCC continuously assesses the permanent residence application queue to meet current and future immigration targets. If the queue is sufficient, IRCC may skip biweekly invitations; if inadequate, more draws or increased ITA issuances may occur.
3. Processing capacity
IRCC’s ability to process applications within six months is critical. During high volumes or operational constraints, IRCC may reduce draw frequency to prevent backlogs and maintain processing standards.
4. Policy Objectives
IRCC’s policy objectives guide Express Entry draw strategies. Category-based selection, such as targeting Francophone immigrants or specific occupations, aligns draws with Canada’s evolving needs and demographic goals.
5. Labour Market needs
Canada’s dynamic labour market influences draw timing. IRCC may prioritise occupations or sectors experiencing shortages, impacting the frequency and composition of ITA issuances.
Express Entry Trends and Predictions for 2024
In 2024, it is anticipated that Express Entry draws will still focus on particular industries, such as STEM and healthcare, while increased competition among applicants may lead to higher cutoff scores. These draws are essential for meeting the needs of Canada’s labor market and promoting economic expansion. However, the competitiveness within the system may increase if the IRCC reduces its projected immigration targets for 2024, which might result in even higher CRS cutoff scores. In general, it is probable that Express Entry will undergo more strategic modifications in 2024 to align with changing policy goals and economic priorities.
Staying informed about immigration in Canada is crucial for preparing your Express Entry journey.
