IRCC issued invitations to Canadian Experience Class candidates for the second consecutive week
On November 19, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 400 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) during the latest round of invitations. This round required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 539.
This round followed the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) round held on November 18, in which IRCC invited 174 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 816. It also marked the second consecutive week of Express Entry round, with a total of 1,933 candidates invited last week, including those under CEC, PNP, and French-speaking applicant categories.
According to IRCC’s latest immigration levels plan, the target for immigration through the Express Entry system will increase next year. IRCC plans to welcome 124,680 Express Entry candidates to Canada in 2025. Among them, over 82,000 spots will be allocated to candidates in the new “In-Canada Focus” category, primarily composed of CEC candidates in the Express Entry pool but may also include candidates under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and PNP-aligned Express Entry streams.
The remaining 41,700 permanent resident (PR) spots will be reserved for the “Federal Economic Priority” category under the new levels plan. This category will target Express Entry candidates with in-demand occupations and professional experience in Canada’s labor market.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is the application management system for three major economic immigration programs for individuals seeking permanent residency in Canada: CEC, FSWP, and FSTP. Applicants are assessed through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns scores based on human capital factors such as age, occupation, language proficiency, educational background, and work experience.
Additional CRS points may be awarded for having siblings in Canada, applying with a spouse or partner, or combining Canadian and international education and work experience. Candidates nominated through enhanced PNP streams can receive an additional 600 CRS points, significantly boosting their chances of receiving an ITA.
In future Express Entry rounds of invitations, candidates with the highest CRS scores are most likely to receive ITAs, provided they meet the criteria for the specific draw.
Summary of Express Entry results in 2024
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| Date | Round Type | Invitations Issued | CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 03 | French language proficiency | 800 | 466 |
| December 02 | Provincial Nominee Program | 676 | 705 |
| November 20 | Healthcare occupations | 3000 | 463 |
| November 19 | Canadian Experience Class | 400 | 539 |
| November 18 | Provincial Nominee Program | 174 | 816 |
| November 15 | French language proficiency | 800 | 478 |
| November 13 | Canadian Experience Class | 400 | 547 |
| November 12 | Provincial Nominee Program | 733 | 812 |
| October 23 | Trade occupations | 1,800 | 433 |
| October 22 | Canadian Experience Class | 400 | 539 |
| October 21 | Provincial Nominee Program | 648 | 791 |
| October 10 | French language proficiency | 1,000 | 444 |
| October 09 | Canadian Experience Class | 500 | 539 |
| October 07 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,613 | 743 |
| September 19 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 509 |
| September 13 | French language proficiency | 1,000 | 446 |
| September 09 | Provincial Nominee Program | 911 | 732 |
| August 27 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,300 | 507 |
| August 26 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,121 | 694 |
| August 15 | French language proficiency | 2,000 | 394 |
| August 14 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,200 | 509 |
| August 13 | Provincial Nominee Program | 763 | 690 |
| July 31 | Canadian Experience Class | 5,000 | 510 |
| July 30 | Provincial Nominee Program | 964 | 686 |
| July 18 | French language proficiency | 1,800 | 400 |
| July 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 6,300 | 515 |
| July 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,391 | 670 |
| July 08 | French proficiency | 3,200 | 420 |
| July 05 | Healthcare occupations | 3,750 | 445 |
| July 04 | Trade occupations | 1,800 | 436 |
| July 02 | 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 and agri-food occupations | 150 | 437 |
| February 14 | Healthcare occupations | 3,500 | 422 |
| February 13 | General | 1,490 | 535 |
| February 01 | French language proficiency | 7,000 | 365 |
| January 31 | General | 730 | 541 |
| January 23 | General | 1,040 | 543 |
| January 10 | General | 1,510 | 546 |
Quebec Expands PSTQ Invitations, Issuing 273 ITAs in First-Ever Draw for Intermediate and Manual Skills Stream
On July 31, 2025, Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) issued 273 invitations to apply for permanent selection through its Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). This draw is particularly significant as it is the first time the province has specifically targeted candidates under the "Intermediate and Manual Skills" stream, marking a steady expansion of the program's scope. The initiative aims to provide an immigration pathway for workers already in Quebec who possess specific work experience and French-language skills, in order to address labor shortages in various regions of the province.
08/18/2025
Super Visa: Canada's 'Fast Track' Alternative for Parent and Grandparent Reunification
For many families hoping to reunite with parents or grandparents in Canada, the limited lottery for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) presents a significant hurdle. This article provides an in-depth analysis of Canada's Super Visa program, which serves as an attractive alternative by offering a long-term visitor visa with year-round applications. The report details the core differences between the Super Visa and the PGP, outlines eligibility criteria and application procedures, and offers professional strategies to address common reasons for refusal, helping applicants increase their chances of success.
08/17/2025
New Trends in Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs: Multiple Provinces Issue Targeted Invitations, Focusing on Key Sectors and Strategic Talent
Recent Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws across Canada reveal a growing trend towards highly targeted invitations for specific industries and communities. Manitoba issued a small number of high-scoring invitations through a strategic initiative; Alberta focused on construction and tech workers with two targeted, low-score draws; and Newfoundland and Labrador invited nearly 400 candidates through its provincial and Atlantic programs. These actions underscore a nationwide shift towards using immigration to precisely fill specific economic and community needs.
08/15/2025
Canada's Express Entry May See Major Overhaul: Three New Occupational Categories Proposed to Attract Global Top Talent
The Canadian federal government is contemplating a significant reform of its flagship immigration program, Express Entry, by proposing three new selection categories for 2026 targeting senior managers, scientists and researchers, and military personnel. The move aims to more strategically attract top-tier talent capable of driving Canada's economic growth, enhancing its global competitiveness, and supporting national security. The proposal is now open for public consultation until September 3, 2025. These adjustments not only signal a shift in Canada's future immigration strategy but could also have far-reaching implications for the study choices and post-graduation career paths of international students.
08/15/2025
Major Overhaul to Canada's Express Entry: Upfront Medical Exams Mandatory from August 21, 2025
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a pivotal change to its Express Entry system. Effective August 21, 2025, all candidates applying for permanent residence through this stream will be required to complete their Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting their application. This marks a significant shift from the current "apply-then-test" model to a new "upfront medical" protocol, directly impacting future applicants' timelines and preparatory strategies.
08/13/2025
Prairie Provinces Surge! 2025 Guide to Immigrant Jobs in Canada: Saskatoon, Calgary, and Regina Claim Top Spots
According to the latest BMO Labour Market Report Card released on July 11, 2025, the landscape for immigrant employment in Canada is undergoing a significant transformation. Saskatoon, Calgary, and Regina have emerged as the top three cities for newcomers to find a job, driven by strong employment growth and falling unemployment rates. The report not only highlights the economic vitality of the Prairie provinces but also provides an invaluable guide for skilled workers and prospective immigrants planning their move to Canada.
08/13/2025
Canada's Latest Express Entry Draw Targets French-Speaking Talent, Inviting 2,500 Candidates
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its third Express Entry draw of the month on August 8, 2025, once again issuing invitations to candidates with French-language proficiency. A total of 2,500 candidates received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in this round, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 481. This draw again highlights the Canadian immigration system's continued emphasis on candidates with specific skills and language abilities, particularly the demand for French speakers.
08/11/2025
Manitoba PNP Update: First August Draw Focuses on "Strategic Recruitment" with a Cut-off Score of 724
The central Canadian province of Manitoba held its first provincial nominee draw of the month on August 7, 2025. In its 251st Expression of Interest (EOI) draw, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) issued 37 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) to skilled workers. Notably, this was not a general draw but one that specifically targeted candidates directly invited by the provincial government through a "Strategic Recruitment Initiative," with a minimum required score of 724. Invited candidates were primarily from the Francophone community and local employer-sponsored programs.
08/11/2025
CRS Score Rises Significantly in New Canadian Experience Class Draw
On August 7, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw targeting candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream. A total of 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 534. Compared to the last CEC draw, this round saw a significant drop in the number of invitations issued and a corresponding increase in the score requirement, reflecting the heightened level of competition among candidates.
08/11/2025
IRCC's First August Express Entry Draw Results Released, Provincial Nominee Program Favored Again
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its first Express Entry draw of the month on August 6, 2025. This draw exclusively targeted candidates with a provincial nomination, issuing a total of 225 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to individuals with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 739. This round once again highlights the Canadian immigration system's strong emphasis on the Provincial Nominee Program and continues the 2025 trend of focusing on specific candidate categories.
08/07/2025
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