IRCC Holds Its Latest Express Entry Draw
IRCC Holds Its Latest Express Entry Draw since October- 4,750 Invited
In the most recent Express Entry draw conducted by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on December 6, 2023, a total of 4,750 candidates were invited to apply (ITAs). This general draw required candidates to achieve a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 561.
Details of the draw:
- Total ITAs issued: 4,750
- Type of draw: General
- Date and time of round: December 6, 2023 at 16:27:26 UTC
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 561
- Tie-breaking rule: November 08, 2023 at 06:00:13 UTC
If more than one candidate has the lowest score, the cut-off is based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles.
Draw Analysis:
The December 6 draw marks the first one since October 26, raising questions about the gap in draws. An issue with the Express Entry Profile Builder reported on November 14, led to delays in some applicants’ submissions. While the issue was resolved by November 16, it remains uncertain whether it contributed to the extended gap in draws.
- October 26: A category-based selection draw for healthcare occupations resulted in 3,600 candidates receiving ITAs, with a minimum CRS score of 431.
- October 25: IRCC invited 300 candidates demonstrating French-speaking proficiency, requiring a minimum CRS score of 486.
- October 24: A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-only draw saw 1,548 candidates receiving invitations, with a minimum score of 776.
Express Entry Draws Overview Since June 2023: Category-Based Selection:
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 26 | Healthcare occupations | 3,600 | 431 |
| Oct 25 | French language proficiency | 300 | 486 |
| Oct 24 | PNP-only | 1,548 | 776 |
| Oct 10 | All-program | 3,725 | 500 |
| Sept 28 | Agriculture and agri-food occupations | 600 | 354 |
| Sept 27 | French language proficiency | 500 | 472 |
| Sept 26 | All-program | 3,000 | 504 |
| Sept 20 | Transport occupations | 1,000 | 435 |
| Sept 19 | All-program | 3,200 | 531 |
| Aug 15 | All-program | 4,300 | 496 |
| Aug 3 | Trade occupations | 1,500 | 388 |
| Aug 2 | French language proficiency | 800 | 435 |
| Aug 1 | All-program | 2,000 | 517 |
| July 12 | French language proficiency | 3,800 | 375 |
| July 11 | All-program | 800 | 505 |
| July 7 | French language proficiency | 2,300 | 439 |
| July 6 | Healthcare occupations | 1,500 | 463 |
| July 5 | STEM occupations | 500 | 486 |
| July 4 | All-program | 700 | 511 |
| June 28 | Healthcare occupations | 500 | 476 |
| June 27 | All-program | 4,300 | 486 |
| June 8 | All-program | 4,800 | 486 |
IRCC introduced category-based selection Express Entry rounds in May. These draws focus on candidates meeting specific criteria, such as French-language proficiency or work experience in key occupations like healthcare, STEM professions, trades, transport, agriculture, and agri-food. These categories address labor shortages affecting Canada’s economy, healthcare system, and supply chain.
Government's Perspective:
Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, stresses the importance of admitting more skilled workers to address shortages, particularly with an anticipated nine million Canadians expected to retire by 2030. Despite high immigration targets, there has been a noted slowdown in Express Entry draws under Minister Miller’s tenure, attributed to an IT glitch during the launch of new categories.
Deputy Minister's Statement:
Deputy Immigration Minister Christiane Fox assures that the department will make up for the reduced number of draws as they move forward. She also announces a category-based draw for skilled trades professionals scheduled for December this year.
Express Entry Overview:
Express Entry is an application management system that processes permanent residence applications from candidates in the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. The system evaluates candidates using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), considering factors such as work experience, language ability, occupation, education, and age. IRCC aims to process all Express Entry applications within six months of receiving an ITA.
List of Provincial Nominee Program
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
- Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP)
- Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
- Quebec Skilled Workers Program (QSWP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
