Good News for Skilled Workers! In its latest move toward welcoming skilled immigrants, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted another Express Entry draw on March 25th, 2024, inviting 1,980 candidates to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
Here’s a breakdown of the draw and what it means for aspiring immigrants.
IRCC’s Third Express Entry Draw of March
In the recent Express Entry draw, IRCC issued 1,980 invitations to apply (ITAs) in a general draw. This draw follows two earlier draws on March 12 and 13, each with its own unique criteria.
Lower CRS Requirement This Time
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this draw was 524 points. This is a slight decrease from the previous general draw on March 12th, which required 525 points.
March 12 and 13 Draws
The March 12 draw granted ITAs to 2,850 candidates, setting the minimum CRS at 525. This marked a slight decrease from the previous draw, making it the lowest general draw score of the year at that time.
Meanwhile, the March 13 draw targeted Express Entry candidates in transport occupations, requiring a minimum CRS of 430. It was the first such draw since December 20, 2023.
Must Read: Canada Maintains Six Express Entry Categories for Immigration in 2024
Overview of 2024 Express Entry Draw Results
Throughout the year, IRCC has conducted various types of draws, including those based on language proficiency and occupation-specific categories. Here’s a summary of the results so far in 2024:
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 150 | 437 |
| February 14 | Healthcare occupations | 3,500 | 422 |
| February 13 | General | 1,490 | 535 |
| February 1 | French language proficiency | 7,000 | 365 |
| January 31 | General | 730 | 541 |
| January 23 | General | 1,040 | 543 |
| January 10 | General | 1,510 | 546 |
Category-Based Draws Target Specific Skills
Since May 2023, IRCC has been conducting category-based draws alongside general draws. These draws aim to attract candidates with skills in high demand across Canada. Recent draws have focused on:
- Healthcare occupations
- Transport occupations (March 13th draw: minimum CRS 430)
- French language proficiency
What is Express Entry
Express Entry serves as an application management system for various Canadian immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Candidates are ranked based on CRS points, considering factors like language ability, education, work experience, and age. Those with the highest scores receive invitations to apply for permanent residency.
Looking to Immigrate to Canada?
If you’re a skilled worker interested in immigrating to Canada, here are some resources to get you started:
Conclusion
Aspiring immigrants should keep an eye on Express Entry draws, as they provide opportunities for skilled individuals to contribute to Canada’s diverse workforce. With continued draws and evolving criteria, navigating the immigration process requires staying informed and prepared for potential opportunities.
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