In a significant update for prospective immigrants, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 3,750 invitations to apply (ITAs) in the third Express Entry draw of the week. This category-based selection draws targeted candidates in healthcare occupations, requiring a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 445.
Key Highlights:
- Third Draw of the Week:
- CRS Score:
- Category-Based Selection:
- Weekly Total:
3,750 ITAs issued for healthcare occupations
The minimum required score was 445
Follows a draw on July 4 for trade occupations
6,470 ITAs issued, highest since April
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This marks the second category-based draw of the week, following the July 4 draw that issued 1,800 ITAs for trade occupations. Earlier in the week, on July 2, IRCC held a draw focused on the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), inviting 920 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 739. In total, IRCC has issued 6,470 ITAs this week, the highest number since April.
A Breakdown of IRCC's Recent Draws
IRCC has been focusing on program-specific draws since earlier this year. Since May 30, IRCC has conducted four program-specific draws, three of which targeted PNP candidates.
Key Points:
- Program-Specific Draws: Focus on specific programs such as CEC, FSWP, FSTP
- PNP-Only Draws: Candidates must be nominated through an Express Entry-aligned PNP stream
- Enhanced Nomination: Process for PNP candidates to be considered in draws
Stabilizing Temporary Residents in Canada
Since January, IRCC has been working to stabilize the high levels of temporary residents in Canada. One method includes offering more pathways for temporary residents—those on work or study permits or visitor visas—to become permanent residents (PR). Many temporary residents apply for PR through the CEC or PNP, allowing IRCC to meet its yearly target for "Federal High Skilled Workers" as outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan.
Summary of Express Entry Draw Results in 2024
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 occupations | 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 | 541 |
| January 23 | General | 1,040 | 543 |
| January 10 | General | 1,510 | 546 |
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry, introduced in 2015, is an application management system designed by IRCC to target candidates with in-demand human capital attributes and process their applications more efficiently. It manages applications for the FSWP, FSTP, and CEC.
Key Points:
- CRS System:
- Higher CRS Score:
- Draw Types:
Evaluates age, work experience, occupation, language ability, and education
Increases chances of receiving an ITA
Program-specific, category-based selection, and general draws
Understanding Category-Based Selection
Category-based selection draws, introduced in 2023, allow IRCC to target Express Entry candidates with specific in-demand attributes for Canada's workforce or to enhance the national French-speaking demographic. The six possible categories for receiving ITAs include:
- Healthcare occupations
- STEM professions
- Trades occupations (e.g., carpenters, plumbers, contractors)
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- French-language proficiency
These draws are not program-specific and often have a lower average CRS score compared to general draws.
How Visa Solutions 4u Can Help
Visa Solutions 4u specializes in navigating the complex immigration process, offering services such as:
- Free Express Entry assessments
- Expert guidance on improving CRS scores
- Assistance with PNP applications
- Support for temporary residents transitioning to permanent residency
Our goal is to help you achieve your immigration aspirations and secure a successful future in Canada. By leveraging our expertise, you can increase your chances of receiving an ITA in upcoming draws and make your dream of becoming a Canadian permanent resident a reality.
