IRCC Issues Latest Invitations in Express Entry Draw for December 2024
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Details of the Latest Draw
- Overview of Previous Express Entry Draws in December
- Changes in the Immigration Levels Plan
- How Express Entry Works
- Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its third Express Entry draw of December 2024. This draw, which was held on December 16, issued 1,085 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The minimum CRS score required for eligibility in this draw was 727.
The latest draw is part of a continued trend of alternating draws focused on different categories, including PNP, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and French-language proficiency candidates. The federal government is aligning immigration strategies to meet its ambitious targets in the Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027.
2. Details of the Latest Draw
The draw, held on December 16, was exclusively for candidates in the Express Entry pool who had been nominated through provincial streams under the PNP. Here are the key details:
- Number of Invitations: 1,085 ITAs issued
- Minimum CRS Score: 727
- Draw Type: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) only
This draw follows a pattern observed in previous years, where the IRCC holds multiple draws in December to target specific candidates based on their professional experience, language proficiency, and other criteria.
3. Overview of Previous Express Entry Draws in December
This December, IRCC has continued its practice of alternating draw types, targeting various candidate pools. Here’s a recap of the previous two draws in December 2024:
- December 3, 2024: Category-based draw for French language proficiency candidates, issuing 800 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 466.
- December 2, 2024: PNP-only draw, issuing 676 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 705.
In total, IRCC has issued 2,561 ITAs in the first half of December 2024, with another set of draws expected later this month.
4. Changes in the Immigration Levels Plan
The IRCC’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027 outlines new measures aimed at selecting candidates with the skills and qualifications needed to meet Canada’s labor market needs. This includes a focus on candidates already residing in Canada, such as those in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), as well as expanding the pool of provincial nominees.
The federal government has also increased its allocations for the CEC and PNP streams, with the focus shifting towards in-Canada applicants. In fact, 82,980 PR admissions have been allocated for the In-Canada focus category, more than 40% of all planned immigration for 2025.
These changes reflect Canada’s ongoing effort to attract skilled workers to help address labor shortages across various sectors, such as healthcare, tech, and trade.
5. How Express Entry Works
Express Entry is Canada’s immigration system designed to manage applications for three federal economic immigration programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria for these programs are placed in the Express Entry pool, where they are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS assigns points based on several factors, including:
- Age
- Education level
- Work experience
- Language proficiency in English and/or French
- Whether the applicant has a job offer or a provincial nomination
The highest-ranking candidates in the pool are invited to apply for permanent residency through ITAs. Provincial nominations, for instance, provide a significant advantage, adding 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score.
6. Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) plays a crucial role in determining the eligibility of Express Entry candidates. It evaluates candidates based on their qualifications, work experience, and other factors, and assigns them a score.
Candidates with higher CRS scores are more likely to receive an ITA during Express Entry draws. The minimum CRS score for each draw can vary, depending on the type of draw and the number of candidates in the pool. Here’s a breakdown of the CRS scoring factors:
| Factor | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| Core/Human Capital Factors | 500 points |
| Spouse or Common-law Partner Factors | 400 points |
| Skill Transferability Factors | 100 points |
| Additional Factors | 600 points |
The introduction of category-based draws has also made it possible for candidates with lower CRS scores to be invited, provided they meet specific criteria, such as proficiency in French or experience in high-demand occupations.
7. Conclusion
The latest draw by IRCC reinforces the federal government’s ongoing commitment to attracting skilled workers through the Express Entry system. With the inclusion of more category-based draws and a focus on provincial nominations, Canada’s immigration landscape is evolving to address its current and future labor market needs.
As Express Entry continues to evolve, candidates looking to apply should stay informed about changing criteria and ensure their profiles are optimized to maximize their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
For a free consultation about your work permit and student permit options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
