In IRCC’s third Express Entry draw this week, Canada’s immigration department conducted a second consecutive category-based Express Entry draw, this time issuing 5,900 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to Canadian immigration candidates with recent work experience in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) occupations. Today’s draw, IRCC’s first STEM draw since July 5, 2023, saw ITAs issued to eligible candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 481.
Today’s STEM draw follows two other draws that have taken place this week. The first was an all-program draw on December 6 where IRCC issued ITAs to 4,750 immigration candidates with a minimum CRS score of 561. IRCC’s other draw this week took place yesterday (December 7, 2023) when IRCC issued 1,000 ITAs in a French-language proficiency category-based draw to candidates with a minimum CRS of 470.
Note: This is a developing story that will be updated should IRCC conduct more Express Entry draws throughout the week.
Express Entry
Canada’s federal government has an application management system called Express Entry. This system is used to jointly manage immigration applications from three specific economic-class immigration programs for permanent residents – the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
As of late June 2023, Canada now operates two different kinds of Express Entry draws – “standard” and category-based draws.
Standard Express Entry Draws
“Standard” Express Entry draws – denoted as such simply for differentiation purposes – have a process that begins when a candidate assesses and confirms their eligibility for either the FSWP, the CEC or the FSTP. At this time, eligible candidates can create an online profile with IRCC to enter into the Express Entry candidate “pool”. Every candidate who successfully enters the pool is then given a CRS score, which is a value based on human capital factors deemed important by IRCC, including but not limited to the following:
- Work experience
- Language skills
- Education
- Age
These scores allow IRCC to rank candidates against each other, and during every draw, the department will issue ITAs to candidates with CRS scores above the cut-off score for that round of invitations.
Note: An ITA is the only way for a Canadian immigration candidate to apply for permanent residence in this country.
Category-Based Express Entry Draws
Beginning on June 28 this year, IRCC began conducting category-based draws to help bring more immigration candidates with specific work experience or proficiencies to Canada.
The introduction of this new draw type is intended to help this country address particular labour market challenges.
This year, IRCC is prioritizing candidates with the following proficiencies and work experience through category-based draws. Candidates are eligible for category-based draws if they have:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare industry work experience
- Work experience in STEM professions
- Work experience in Trade occupations
- Work experience in Transport occupations
- Agriculture and Agri-Food industry work experience
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