2024 Express Entry Year in Review: Key Changes and Insights
Canada’s immigration system, particularly the Express Entry program, saw major changes in 2024 that will significantly influence foreign nationals seeking permanent residence (PR). The year witnessed fluctuations in draw numbers, changes to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and targeted changes in Express Entry categories to align with Canada’s economic and demographic needs. By reviewing these developments, we can better understand what these trends mean for future applicants and how they might shape Canada’s immigration policies in 2025.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Overview of Express Entry in 2024
- Total ITAs Issued
- Changes in the Number of Draws
- CRS Score Trends
- Key Changes in Express Entry Draw Categories
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- French Language Proficiency
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Healthcare, Trade, and STEM Occupations
- Comparison of Express Entry Draws: 2024 vs. 2023
- Emerging Trends and Policy Shifts
- Impact of the CRS Points Removal for Job Offers
- The Immigration Levels Plan for 2025
- The In-Canada Focus and Federal Economic Priorities
- Impact on Immigration Levels and Future Projections
- Looking Ahead to 2025: What to Expect?
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
Canada’s Express Entry system has long been one of the most popular pathways for skilled workers, tradespeople, and other foreign nationals to obtain permanent residence (PR). However, 2024 has proven to be a year of substantial changes. By focusing on specific groups like Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, French language speakers, and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants, Canada has adjusted its approach to meet labor market and demographic needs. Additionally, new measures, such as the removal of CRS points for job offers, could significantly alter the landscape of immigration going forward.
2. Overview of Express Entry in 2024
Total ITAs Issued
In 2024, the Canadian government issued a total of 98,803 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through 52 draws. This marks a significant development for Express Entry, as there was a noticeable increase in the number of ITAs compared to previous years, though the trend varied based on category and program.
Changes in the Number of Draws
The total number of Express Entry draws and their frequency varied greatly throughout 2024. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held several rounds of selection across multiple categories, which became more selective as the year progressed. The pattern of draws fluctuated, reflecting the government’s evolving priorities.
CRS Score Trends
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off scores saw significant fluctuations in 2024, influenced by factors like the number of candidates in the pool, changes in program priorities, and the selectivity of each draw category. The CRS cut-off scores varied from as low as 336 to as high as 816 for certain categories.
3. Key Changes in Express Entry Draw Categories
In 2024, the IRCC implemented changes to Express Entry selection categories, focusing on specific groups that align with Canada’s labor needs.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
PNP draws were more frequent in 2024, with 14 draws issued and CRS cut-offs ranging from 663 to 816. These draws focused on candidates nominated by Canadian provinces, a category that has become increasingly important for filling regional labor shortages. The priority on PNP candidates was evident in the number of draws conducted under this program.
French Language Proficiency
French language proficiency continued to be a high priority, with 11 draws held for French-speaking candidates. These draws had a CRS range between 336 and 478, indicating a lower CRS threshold compared to other categories. Canada’s commitment to Francophone immigration, especially outside Quebec, was further solidified as French speakers remained a key target group.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) saw 10 draws throughout the year. Applicants in this category needed CRS scores between 507 and 547. This program continues to cater to individuals who have gained Canadian work experience, often leading to smoother transitions for those already in the country.
Healthcare, Trade, and STEM Occupations
Draws for healthcare occupations, trade occupations, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields were introduced but remained less frequent, with 3, 2, and 1 draws respectively. These categories were introduced to meet Canada’s pressing labor shortages in key sectors, with CRS cut-offs ranging from 422 to 491.
4. Comparison of Express Entry Draws: 2024 vs. 2023
To understand the scale of change, it’s useful to compare the 2024 Express Entry draws with those of 2023:
| Category/Program | 2024 Draws | 2024 CRS Range | 2023 Draws | 2023 CRS Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program | 14 | 663 – 816 | 5 | 691 – 791 |
| French Language Proficiency | 11 | 336 – 478 | 6 | 375 – 486 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 10 | 507 – 547 | 0 | – |
| General | 9 | 524 – 549 | 2 | 542 – 561 |
| Healthcare Occupations | 3 | 422 – 463 | 3 | 431 – 476 |
| Trade Occupations | 2 | 433 – 436 | 2 | 388 – 425 |
| STEM Occupations | 1 | 491 – 491 | 2 | 481 – 486 |
The number of draws in 2024 was greater across most categories, with some categories (like CEC and French language proficiency) seeing significant growth in terms of the number of draws and lower CRS thresholds.
5. Emerging Trends and Policy Shifts
Impact of CRS Points Removal for Job Offers
In December 2024, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced that starting in spring 2025, CRS points for valid job offers would be removed as a temporary measure. Candidates currently receive between 50 to 200 points for job offers, which significantly boosts their CRS score. The removal of these points could create a substantial shift in CRS scores, as applicants with job offers will no longer have an advantage in the selection process.
Immigration Levels Plan for 2025
The 2025 Immigration Levels Plan sees higher targets for Express Entry admissions. The Federal High-Skilled allocation will rise from 110,770 landings to 124,590 landings, though overall immigration levels are expected to decrease by about 20%.
The In-Canada Focus and Federal Economic Priorities
The In-Canada Focus category is expected to account for 82,890 admissions, prioritizing those already in Canada, especially through CEC and PNP. Meanwhile, the Federal Economic Priorities category will focus on candidates with the skills required to address Canada’s labor market and demographic goals, specifically in sectors like healthcare, trades, and French-language proficiency.
6. Impact on Immigration Levels and Future Projections
The shift in express entry draw categories and CRS scoring reflects Canada’s broader strategy to balance the immigration system and prioritize applicants who can meet the country’s labor and economic needs. With higher targets for high-skilled and in-Canada applicants, the 2025 Express Entry system will see an emphasis on candidates already residing in Canada and those with expertise in sectors facing shortages.
7. Looking Ahead to 2025: What to Expect?
The upcoming year will likely continue the trend of more targeted draws, with a focus on specific industries and skillsets. Given the anticipated rise in admissions for healthcare, trades, and French proficiency, Express Entry applicants in these areas may find the process more competitive but with better prospects of being invited for PR.
8. Conclusion
2024 was a pivotal year for Canada’s Express Entry system, marked by new changes and more targeted approaches to immigration. As the government prepares for 2025, these shifts will continue to influence the types of candidates invited to apply for permanent residency. The removal of CRS points for job offers and the prioritization of in-Canada applicants signal a shift toward a more refined and needs-based approach to immigration. For those planning to immigrate to Canada, keeping up with these changes is essential for navigating the system and improving your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
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