BREAKING: First Express Entry draw since October 2023 held in Canada

In exciting news for skilled workers and international students hoping to immigrate to Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has held its first Express Entry draw since October 26, 2023. This marks a significant development for the program, which had been on hold for nearly two months due to unforeseen technical difficulties.

The recent draw saw 4,750 invitations to apply (ITAs) issued to eligible candidates across all program categories. This reflects IRCC's commitment to welcoming new immigrants and filling critical labor shortages in various sectors.

The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this draw was 561. The CRS is a points-based system used by IRCC to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool based on their human capital factors like age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability.

What led to the delay in Express Entry draws?

While the exact reason for the extended gap between draws remains unclear, IRCC previously acknowledged technical issues with the Express Entry profile builder in November 2023. These issues prevented some applicants from submitting their applications, causing a temporary pause in draw activity.

Fortunately, IRCC addressed these technical issues swiftly. On November 16th, the department confirmed that the problem had been resolved, paving the way for the resumption of draws.

Analysis of recent Express Entry draws:

Prior to the October 26th pause, IRCC conducted several Express Entry draws catering to diverse candidate profiles. These included:

1. October 26th: A category-based draw for healthcare occupations, inviting 3,600 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 431. This reflects the ongoing demand for skilled professionals in Canada's healthcare sector.
2. October 25th: A category-based draw for French-speaking candidates, inviting 300 individuals with a minimum CRS score of 486. This draw highlights the Canadian government's commitment to promoting bilingualism and attracting French-speaking immigrants.
3. October 24th: A PNP-only draw, inviting 1,548 candidates nominated by Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) across Canada. Due to the inherent advantage of PNP nominations, the minimum CRS score for this draw was significantly higher at 776.

Summary of Express Entry draws since June 2023:

Date	Draw Type	Number of ITAs	Minimum CRS
Oct 26	Healthcare occupations	3,600	431
Oct 25	French language proficiency	300	486
Oct 24	PNP-only	1,548	776
Oct 10	All-program	3,725	500
Sept 28	Agriculture and agri-food occupations	600	354
Sept 27	French language proficiency	500	472
Sept 26	All-program	3,000	504
Sept 20	Transport occupations	1,000	435
Sept 19	All-program	3,200	531
Aug 15	All-program	4,300	496
Aug 3	Trade occupations	1,500	388
Aug 2	French language proficiency	800	435
Aug 1	All-program	2,000	517
July 12	French language proficiency	3,800	375
July 11	All-program	800	505
July 7	French language proficiency	2,300	439
July 6	Healthcare occupations	1,500	463
July 5	STEM occupations	500	486
July 4	All-program	700	511
June 28	Healthcare occupations	500	476
June 27	All-program	4,300	486
June 8	All-program	4,800	486

What does this mean for aspiring Canadian immigrants?

The resumption of Express Entry draws signals positive news for individuals seeking permanent residency in Canada. With the backlog of applications addressed and technical issues resolved, IRCC is now poised to conduct regular draws, inviting qualified candidates to apply for permanent residency.

For aspiring immigrants, this means staying well-informed about upcoming draws and ensuring their Express Entry profiles are complete and updated with accurate information. Maintaining a competitive CRS score through relevant education, work experience, and language proficiency remains crucial for maximizing the chances of receiving an ITA.

Looking ahead:

The first Express Entry draw of 2024 signifies a renewed focus on immigration by the Canadian government. With the country facing labor shortages across various sectors, IRCC is expected to continue conducting regular draws throughout the year, welcoming skilled newcomers to contribute to Canada's economic growth and prosperity.

Navigate the Express Entry Journey with Pelican Migration Consultants

Pelican Migration Consultants is here to help you navigate the Express Entry process and maximize your chances of success. With our team of experienced immigration consultants in Dubai and comprehensive support services, we can guide you through every step of the journey, from profile creation to application submission and beyond.

Our services include:

1. Free consultation to assess your eligibility and create a personalized immigration plan.
2. Expert assistance with profile creation and optimization, ensuring you score the highest possible CRS points.
3. Comprehensive guidance on documentation and application requirements.
4. Dedicated support throughout the application process, including communication with IRCC and addressing any concerns.
5. Post-landing services to help you settle smoothly in Canada.

Don't let the complexity of the Express Entry process deter you from your dream of living and working in Canada. With Pelican Migration Consultants by your side, you can navigate the process with confidence and increase your chances of receiving an ITA.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation!