Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is holding another targeted draw as part of its ongoing efforts to lure skilled immigrants through the Express Entry system. 174 individuals were invited by the IRCC on November 18, 2024, under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) category. This draw emphasizes how important provinces are to meeting Canada’s varied labor market demands.
This is the second week in a row that Express Entry draws have occurred. The previous week issued a total of 1,933 ITAs to candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, PNP candidates, and candidates with French-language proficiency.
Key Details of the Draw
- Date: November 18, 2024
- Draw Type: PNP-specific
- Number of Invitations Issued: 174
- Minimum CRS Score Required: 816 – four points increased
- Tie-breaking Rule: August 28, 2024 at 05:12:34 UTC
Candidates with a provincial nomination benefit from an additional 600 points added to their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This effectively guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in subsequent draws, making the PNP a critical pathway for those seeking permanent residency in Canada.
What’s Next for Candidates?
If you received an ITA in this draw, the next step is submitting your complete application for permanent residency within 60 days. Ensure your documentation is accurate and complete to avoid delays. IRCC evaluates applications based on eligibility, background checks, and supporting evidence.
For those still in the Express Entry pool, consider these tips:
- Improve CRS Scores: Gain additional language certifications, secure provincial nominations, or acquire more work experience in high-demand fields.
- Explore PNP Options: Research provincial nomination streams that align with your skills and experience.
- Stay Updated: Regularly check IRCC updates for new draws and changing eligibility requirements
Understanding the Provincial Nominee Program in Express Entry
The PNP is designed to enable provinces and territories to nominate individuals with skills, work experience, and education that align with regional economic needs. For candidates in the Express Entry pool, a provincial nomination not only boosts their CRS score but also prioritizes their application.
Each province has unique labor market requirements, often focusing on industries such as:
- Healthcare: Doctors, nurses, and other health professionals remain in high demand.
- Technology: IT specialists and engineers are sought after in provinces with growing tech hubs.
- Trades: Carpenters, electricians, and construction workers are critical for infrastructure projects.
By aligning immigration policies with provincial priorities, Canada ensures a balanced distribution of talent across its vast geographic landscape
CRS Score Distribution
| CRS score range | Number of candidates |
| 601-1200 | 225 |
| 501-600 | 16,318 |
| 451-500 | 64,394 |
| 491-500 | 12,182 |
| 481-490 | 12,279 |
| 471-480 | 15,185 |
| 461-470 | 13,113 |
| 451-460 | 11,635 |
| 401-450 | 56,943 |
| 441-450 | 11,009 |
| 431-440 | 12,183 |
| 421-430 | 11,090 |
| 411-420 | 11,425 |
| 401-410 | 11,236 |
| 351-400 | 51,361 |
| 301-350 | 22,804 |
| 0-300 | 5,603 |
| Total | 217,648 |
Canada’s Express Entry Targets for 2025: A Focus on In-Demand Skills and In-Canada Experience
The latest Immigration Levels Plan released by IRCC reveals ambitious targets for 2025, emphasizing significant growth in economic immigration through the Express Entry system. Canada aims to welcome 124,680 Express Entry candidates next year, reflecting the program’s critical role in addressing labor market demands and demographic challenges. A substantial portion, over 82,000 admissions, will focus on the new In-Canada Focus category, prioritizing candidates already in the country. This category will predominantly invite individuals under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), alongside some candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and PNP-aligned streams.
The plan also introduces the Federal Economic Priorities category, allocating 41,700 admissions for professionals with expertise in in-demand fields such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. This initiative underscores Canada’s intent to address critical labor shortages while maintaining a diverse immigrant pool. These strategic adjustments to the Express Entry system highlight IRCC’s commitment to retaining talent that is already contributing to the Canadian economy while attracting global expertise to meet long-term economic and demographic objectives.
Additionally, these changes align with IRCC’s broader strategy of increasing the proportion of immigrants with prior Canadian experience, simplifying their integration and economic contribution. The dual focus on domestic and international talent reinforces Canada’s reputation as a leading destination for skilled immigrants, with a comprehensive approach to addressing evolving labor market needs.
The November 18, 2024, PNP-specific draw showcases Canada’s ongoing efforts to balance national and regional immigration priorities. For aspiring immigrants, this draw reiterates the importance of provincial nominations in securing permanent residency. As Canada moves toward meeting its ambitious immigration targets for 2024 and beyond, understanding programs like the PNP and staying proactive in the Express Entry system is essential.
