IRCC Issues 400 Invitations to Apply to CEC Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 400 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the most recent Express Entry draw, specifically targeting candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). To qualify for an ITA in this round, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 539.

This marks the second Express Entry draw of the week. The previous draw, held on October 21, invited 648 candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), requiring a minimum CRS score of 791.

In recent months, IRCC has established a pattern of conducting multiple draws every second week, frequently alternating between PNP and CEC-specific draws. This reflects the department’s commitment to increasing domestic invitations for Express Entry candidates who are already living and working in Canada as temporary residents. The strategy aims to reduce the number of temporary residents while meeting the immigration targets set out in Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan.

Immigration Levels Plan and Upcoming Target

The next iteration of the Immigration Levels Plan is expected to be released by November 1, 2024, and will outline immigration targets for 2025–2027. For 2024, Canada is aiming to welcome 110,770 new permanent residents. However, details on whether this year’s target has been met have yet to be released.

Those who receive an ITA in the latter half of 2024 are likely to be admitted in 2025, given IRCC’s six-month processing standard for Express Entry applications.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is Canada’s system for managing applications under three major economic immigration programs:

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

The system uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank candidates based on human capital factors such as age, education, work experience, occupation, and language ability. These factors determine how well candidates are positioned to address labor market needs in Canada.

CRS scores tend to be higher in Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws, as candidates nominated by a province receive an additional 600 points. Additional points can also be awarded for having family in Canada or applying with a spouse or partner.

Candidates with the highest CRS scores are more likely to receive an ITA in upcoming draws.