1. Details of This Draw

On December 16, IRCC announced the results of its latest Express Entry draw, issuing 1,085 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) category. The minimum CRS score for this draw was 727, indicating that candidates needed a high overall score, often bolstered by additional provincial nomination points.

This marks the third Express Entry draw in December, continuing the month’s focus on PNP and specific category-based draws. Earlier this month, a draw on December 2 also targeted PNP candidates, while the December 3 draw invited candidates with strong French language proficiency.

2. Integration of Express Entry and PNP

The Express Entry system manages three federal economic immigration programs: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Additionally, it works with the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) through the enhanced nomination stream, granting 600 additional CRS points to candidates nominated by provinces, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an ITA.

In recent years, IRCC has refined its selection process for Express Entry, issuing invitations not just based on CRS scores but also through category-based draws. For example, candidates with specific language proficiencies or occupational backgrounds may receive ITAs even with lower CRS scores, provided they meet Canada’s labor market demands.

3. “In-Canada” Category as a Future Trend

As Canada faces an aging population and evolving labor market needs, IRCC’s immigration policies are increasingly shifting focus toward the “In-Canada” category. According to the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, this category will prioritize candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), other regional programs, and potentially include candidates from the FSWP and FSTP.

In 2025, the “In-Canada” category is projected to allocate 82,980 permanent residency spots, accounting for over 40% of the year’s total planned admissions. This highlights Canada’s growing emphasis on applicants already studying, working, or living in the country.

4. Data Review and Outlook

In November 2024, Canada conducted six Express Entry draws, issuing 5,507 ITAs. This month’s draw pattern suggests a continuation of this approach. With the integration of PNP, language proficiency, and work experience, the future of Express Entry draws appears to be more targeted and flexible.

For candidates aspiring to immigrate through Express Entry, enhancing language skills, gaining Canadian work experience, and securing provincial nominations will be key to improving their CRS scores.

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