The 2024 express entry draws: A year full of invitations

The year 2024 has been particularly active in terms of invitations. I will give you an overview of the most recent draws so that you can get an idea of the current trend.

On October 10, 2024, IRCC organized a draw based on the French proficiency category. 1000 candidates were invited with a minimum score of 444 points. It is interesting to see that Canada is focusing on French-speaking candidates, probably to maintain its bilingual character.

Just before, on October 9, there was a draw for the Canadian Experience Category (CEC) with 500 invitations and a minimum score of 539. And on October 7, 1,613 candidates with a provincial nomination were invited with a minimum score of 743.

What strikes me is the diversity of the draws. We can clearly see that Canada is trying to balance different types of candidates: francophones, people who already have experience in Canada, and those who have been nominated by a province.

Three prints in one week: that’s serious stuff!

Recently, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has struck a chord with three draws in a single week. Here’s a look:

It's quite rare to see so much action in such a short period of time. It shows that Canada is truly proactive in its immigration strategy.

Summary of Express Entry draws in 2024

To give you an overview, here is a summary table of the draws made this year:

Note: The full list is available on the IRCC website for those who want to dig deeper.

Understanding CRS Scores

Minimum CRS scores vary depending on the type of draw. For example:

• French language proficiency draws : Lower scores (eg. 444 points on October 10).
• Drawings for the CEC : Average scores (eg 539 points on October 9).
• PCP Prints : Higher scores (eg. 743 points on October 7).

This means that if you fit into one of these categories, you have a better chance of being invited, even with a lower overall CRS score.

What this means for you

If you are French-speaking or have work experience in Canada, this is definitely the time to try your luck. For the others, don't be discouraged. There are several ways to increase your CRS score:

• Improve your language skills (French and/or English)
• Pursue further studies
• Get more professional experience
• Obtain a provincial nomination

Why this interest in French speakers?

You may be wondering why Canada is holding specific draws for French speakers. Well, the government is aiming to increase the number of French-speaking newcomers outside of Quebec. The goal is for 6,% of all new permanent residents to be French-speaking. By targeting candidates who are proficient in French, Canada is looking to strengthen French-speaking communities across the country.

Additionally, draws for French speakers often have lower minimum CRS scores. For example, the October 10 draw had a threshold of 444 points, which is more accessible than other draws.

Canadian Experience Certificate (CEC) candidates in the spotlight

CEC candidates have also been given a boost recently. Since July, more than 21,800 invitations have been sent to candidates in this category. The government wants to make it easier for temporary residents (such as international students and temporary workers) to transition to permanent residency. This is a strategy to reduce the number of temporary residents and meet immigration targets for the year.

Fewer draws based on professions

It’s worth noting that draws based on specific occupational categories (such as health care or skilled trades) have been less frequent lately. The last such draw for health care occupations was on July 5. That’s not to say that these occupations are no longer in demand, but the focus seems to be elsewhere for now.

Category-based selection: An interesting new feature

In May 2023, IRCC introduced a new concept: category-based selection. This is an approach that I find particularly clever. The idea is to target candidates in specific areas where Canada has urgent needs. The six categories are:

• Health
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
• Professions
• Transport
• Agriculture and agri-food
• French language proficiency

What's interesting about these categorical draws is that the required SCG scores are generally lower. This is good news for candidates who may have a lower overall score but excel in a specific area.

For example, the October 10 draw for French speakers had a minimum score of 444, which is significantly lower than the usual scores for general draws.

The evolution of trends in 2024

Analyzing the 2024 draws, I notice some interesting trends:

An increase in CEC draws: IRCC appears to favour candidates with existing Canadian experience. Since July, 21,800 invitations have been issued for this category. This makes sense: these candidates are already integrated and familiar with the Canadian job market.
A decrease in categorical draws: With the exception of the French-speaking category, the other categories seem less frequent. The last draw for health professions, for example, dates back to July 5.
Fluctuating SCG scores: Minimum scores vary considerably depending on the type of draw. For provincial nominations, they are generally higher (around 700), while for categorical draws, they can be as low as 400.
Increased frequency of draws: IRCC appears to be holding draws more frequently, sometimes several per week. This is good news for candidates, as it increases the chances of being invited.

I think these trends reflect Canada's current immigration priorities. The country is looking to:

• Retaining talent already present on its soil (hence the emphasis on the CEC)
• Quickly fill labor shortages in certain sectors (hence the categorical draws)
• Achieving its objectives in terms of French-speaking immigration (6% of new arrivals in French-speaking communities outside Quebec)

It is a strategy that seems to me to be balanced and responsive to the needs of the Canadian labour market.

Express Entry: What is it again?

For those unfamiliar, theExpress Input is the main system that Canada uses to manage economic immigration applications. It includes three programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program
3. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Candidates are evaluated according to a points system called the Global Classification System (CRS)This system takes into account several factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, etc. The higher your score, the more likely you are to be invited to apply for permanent residence.

Understanding CRS Scores

Required CRS scores vary depending on the type of draw. Targeted draws, such as those for French speakers or CEC, tend to have lower minimum scores. This means that if you fit into one of these categories, you have a better chance of being invited, even if your overall CRS score is not the highest.

For example :

• French speakers : Minimum score of 444 on October 10.
• CEC : Minimum score of 539 on October 9.
• PCP : Minimum score of 743 on October 7.

more information to understand the CRS score on this article dedicated to this: Understanding the CRS score