On the 23rd of January 2024, the second Express Entry draw of the year was conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), resulting in the issuance of 1,040 Invitations to Apply (ITA). During this draw, candidates under all immigration programs were once again extended invitations. In the 280th round, the cut-off score was 543 points, representing a reduction of three points compared to the previous draw. The tie-breaking rule applied for this round was based on January 21, 2024, at 07:43:47 UTC. As of the same date, the Express Entry pool contained 213,526 registered profiles. Throughout the current year, Canada has granted 2,550 ITAs through the Express Entry system.

[aikit_audio_player]

The 2nd Express Entry Draw in 2024

The second draw of 2024 occurred after the January 10 draw, which invited 1,510 candidates in a general draw encompassing all Express Entry managed programs. To be eligible, candidates had to attain a minimum CRS score of 546.

In the preceding December, IRCC conducted a series of active Express Entry draws, with seven draws taking place throughout the month. Among these, two were all-program draws, and the remaining five were category-based selection draws. These targeted Express Entry candidates meeting specific criteria related to French language proficiency, trades, transport, STEM, agriculture, and agri-food occupations.

In the course of 2023, IRCC organized 42 Express Entry draws, with 19 being all-program draws (now termed general draws). Additionally, 17 draws were category-based selection draws held between late June and December. Furthermore, five draws exclusively considered Express Entry candidates nominated through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and one draw was exclusively for Federal Skilled Worker candidates.

Predicting the trajectory of Express Entry results in 2024 is challenging, as IRCC has moved away from a predictable draw frequency, and the types of draws remain uncertain.

Despite this uncertainty, the Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026 outlines the department’s goal of admitting up to 110,770 new permanent residents to Canada in 2024. This will require issuing a sufficient number of ITAs to contribute to meeting the 2025 admissions target of 117,500. Many of these invitations are expected to be issued in 2024, considering that IRCC takes up to six months to process an Express Entry application.

What is Express Entry?

The Express Entry system serves as an efficient tool for processing applications for permanent residency by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The evaluation of applicants relies on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, considering various factors such as work experience, occupation, language proficiency, educational background, age, and more. In general, individuals with higher CRS scores stand a better chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Moreover, the Express Entry system has introduced a new feature known as category-based selection draws. These draws specifically target candidates with particular professional backgrounds or other highly sought-after qualifications. There are six distinct categories for which potential applicants may qualify:

Healthcare
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
Trades, including carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
Transport
Agriculture and agri-food
Proficiency in the French language

How mana immigration Can Help

Considering the possibility of becoming a permanent resident in Canada? At mana immigration, our main goal is to support individuals in achieving their aspirations of moving to Canada. Our team consists of professionals navigating the Express Entry system, dedicated to aiding clients in improving their chances of receiving invitations. Take advantage of the opportunity to calculate your CRS Score today, and let our experts help you optimize it for the upcoming Express Entry draw. Moreover, our Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score calculator offers comprehensive insights into your language proficiency for your application. If you need further details about your eligibility, feel free to reach out. Afterwards, we will promptly arrange a complimentary consultation for you.