Canada Issues More Invitations for Permanent Residency in December Express Entry Draw

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has once again conducted an Express Entry draw, issuing 676 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency. This latest draw, held on December 2, targeted candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 705 to be eligible for the draw. This marks the continuation of a steady pattern of invitations, following six draws in November, which saw the issuance of 5,507 ITAs.

As we move into December, the focus remains on specific candidate categories such as those under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and PNP streams. This trend aligns with Canada’s new immigration strategy, which is expected to prioritize individuals in these groups in the coming months.

Table of Contents

Overview of December 2024 Express Entry Draw
Key Statistics from the November Express Entry Draws
What’s Next for Immigration and Express Entry in Canada?
Eligibility and CRS Scores for Express Entry Draws
Future Trends: Focus on Regional and French-Speaking Candidates
Understanding Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program

1. Overview of December 2024 Express Entry Draw

On December 2, 2024, IRCC issued 676 ITAs through the Provincial Nominee Program. Candidates in this draw needed a minimum CRS score of 705 to qualify. This draw follows a strong series of Express Entry events throughout November, continuing Canada’s efforts to meet its ambitious immigration goals.

2. Key Statistics from the November Express Entry Draws

November was an active month for Express Entry draws, with a total of six draws and 5,507 ITAs issued for permanent residency. Among these, candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) categories saw regular invitations. Notably, a specific draw for healthcare professionals on November 20 issued 3,000 invitations with a minimum CRS score of 463, signaling Canada’s ongoing need for skilled workers in critical sectors.

3. What’s Next for Immigration and Express Entry in Canada?

Looking ahead to 2025, Canada is expected to increase its focus on candidates with strong French language skills, particularly outside of Quebec. The allocation for French-speaking permanent residents is set to rise significantly in 2025, with an anticipated 29,235 admissions, and further increases are expected in 2026 and 2027. Additionally, Canada’s immigration strategy will focus more on in-demand regional candidates and those with experience in specific fields like healthcare and technology.

4. Eligibility and CRS Scores for Express Entry Draws

Candidates applying through Express Entry are evaluated using the CRS, which awards points for factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. The highest-scoring candidates are most likely to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). For those who receive a provincial nomination, an additional 600 points are added to their CRS score, significantly increasing their chances of being invited. The minimum CRS score in the most recent draw was 705, reflecting the high demand for skilled candidates.

5. Future Trends: Focus on Regional and French-Speaking Candidates

IRCC’s new immigration policies are likely to prioritize candidates with French language proficiency and those living in specific regions of Canada. This focus aims to meet labor market demands and support Canada’s demographic growth in underrepresented areas. As the country looks to meet its 2025 immigration goals, the demand for skilled workers in various sectors is expected to remain high, especially for those who can contribute to regional development and the expansion of Canada’s bilingual workforce.

6. Understanding Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program

Express Entry is a system designed to manage applications for three federal economic immigration programs: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Candidates may also be invited through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) if they meet the province’s labor market needs. The CRS score plays a crucial role in determining eligibility for ITAs, with candidates who score higher having a better chance of receiving an invitation. Enhanced provincial nominations add significant points, further improving the likelihood of selection.

Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2024

Date	Draw Type	Number of ITAs	Minimum CRS Score
December 2	Provincial Nominee Program	676	705
November 20	Healthcare occupations	3,000	463
November 19	Canadian Experience Class	400	539
November 18	Provincial Nominee Program	174	816
November 15	French language proficiency	800	478
November 13	Canadian Experience Class	400	547
November 12	Provincial Nominee Program	733	812
October 23	Trade occupations	1,800	433
October 22	Canadian Experience Class	400	539
October 21	Provincial Nominee Program	648	791
October 10	French language proficiency	1,000	444
October 9	Canadian Experience Class	500	539
October 7	Provincial Nominee Program	1,613	743
September 19	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	509
September 13	French language proficiency	1,000	446
September 9	Provincial Nominee Program	911	732
August 27	Canadian Experience Class	3,300	507
August 26	Provincial Nominee Program	1,121	694
August 15	French language proficiency	2,000	394
August 14	Canadian Experience Class	3,200	509
August 13	Provincial Nominee Program	763	690
July 31	Canadian Experience Class	5,000	510
July 30	Provincial Nominee Program	964	686
July 18	French language proficiency	1,800	400
July 17	Canadian Experience Class	6,300	515
July 16	Provincial Nominee Program	1,391	670
July 8	French proficiency	3,200	420
July 5	Healthcare occupations	3,750	445
July 4	Trade occupations	1,800	436
July 2	Provincial Nominee Program	920	739
June 19	Provincial Nominee Program	1,499	663
May 31	Canadian Experience Class	3,000	522
May 30	Provincial Nominee Program	2,985	676
April 24	French proficiency	1,400	410
April 23	General	2,095	529
April 11	STEM occupations	4,500	491
April 10	General	1,280	549
March 26	French language proficiency	1,500	388
March 25	General	1,980	524
March 13	Transport occupations	975	430
March 12	General	2,850	525
February 29	French language proficiency	2,500	336
February 28	General	1,470	534
February 16	Agriculture and agri-food	150	437
February 14	Healthcare occupations	3,500	422
February 13	General	1,490	535
February 1	French language proficiency	7,000	365
January 31	General	730