Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently conducted its second Express Entry draw of the week, issuing 4,500 invitations to apply (ITAs) in a category-based selection draw specifically targeting candidates in STEM occupations. Candidates in this draw were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 491 to be considered.
This draw, held on April 11, marks the first invitation round for candidates in STEM occupations in 2024. It follows a general draw from the previous day, April 10, where IRCC invited 1,280 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 549—the highest minimum CRS score of any draw this year.
The general draws earlier in 2024 have seen fluctuating CRS score requirements. The first draw on January 10 required a CRS score of at least 546; subsequent draws witnessed decreasing scores. For example, the last general draw on March 25 invited 1,980 candidates with a CRS score 524.
Summary of Express Entry Draw Results in 2024
- April 11: STEM Occupations
- Number of ITAs: 4,500
- Minimum CRS: 491
- April 10: General
- Number of ITAs: 1,280
- Minimum CRS: 549
- March 26: French Language Proficiency
- Number of ITAs: 1,500
- Minimum CRS: 388
- March 25: General
- Number of ITAs: 1,980
- Minimum CRS: 524
- And more…
What is Category-Based Selection?
The category-based selection draws, introduced in May 2023, allow IRCC to target Express Entry candidates with specific in-demand skills or attributes. The categories for 2024 include:
- Healthcare Occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Professions
- Trades Occupations
- Transport Occupations
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations
- Strong French Proficiency
Candidates must already have an application in the Express Entry pool to be considered for category-based selection.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s application management system for economic immigration programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Candidates are evaluated based on factors such as work experience, occupation, language ability, age, and education.
The system assigns a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score to each candidate, with higher scores increasing the chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent resident status. Express Entry’s benefit is its efficiency, aiming to process applications within six months for 80% of cases.
Stay updated with the latest Express Entry draws and immigration news for your pathway to Canadian permanent residency. ✈️🍁
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