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Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted an Express Entry draw on November 12, 2024, bringing good news for applicants looking to move to Canada. The draw focused on candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which aligns with Canada’s immigration objectives to fill regional labor market needs.
Key Details of the Draw
In the latest round, IRCC issued 733 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates nominated through a Provincial Nominee Program.
Minimum CRS Score Requirement
To be eligible for an invitation to this draw, candidates needed to have a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 812. The higher score requirement reflects the competitive nature of PNP-aligned draws, as provincial nominations add an extra 600 points to a candidate’s overall CRS score.
The recent Express Entry draw highlights Canada’s ongoing efforts to attract skilled immigrants to meet its labor market needs, especially through provincial nominations. If you are looking to enhance your chances of securing an ITA, consider exploring various PNP streams that may align with your skills and experience.
Summary of the Draw on October 23
On October 23, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held an Express Entry draw, inviting 1,800 candidates in a category-based selection targeting trade occupations. Notably, this was the first category-specific draw focused on non-French-speaking applicants since July.
November’s First Draw Aligns with New Immigration Targets
The first Express Entry draw of November follows closely on the heels of Canada’s newly released Immigration Levels Plan for 2025. According to this plan, IRCC aims to welcome 124,680 Express Entry candidates next year. The candidates who received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in today’s draw will count toward these targets, either through the In-Canada Focus initiative or the Federal Economic Priorities category.
Focus on In-Canada Residents and Federal Economic Priorities
Canada’s immigration strategy for 2025 includes a major emphasis on retaining individuals already residing in the country. Under the new In-Canada Focus, IRCC is targeting 82,980 permanent resident admissions, which will significantly benefit temporary residents who are currently living in Canada. This group alone is expected to make up around 40% of all economic immigration admissions for that year.
Many of these individuals will fall under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or be nominated through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Federal Economic Priorities: Key Targets for 2025
The Federal Economic Priorities category sets a goal of 41,700 permanent resident admissions for 2025. This category focuses on identifying candidates across all Express Entry-managed programs who can fill critical job shortages in sectors like healthcare and trades, or who meet specific demographic needs, such as boosting French language proficiency among newcomers outside Quebec.
Canada’s “In-Canada Focus” in the Immigration Levels Plan (2025-2027)
Canada’s recently unveiled Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027 reveals a shift in immigration strategy, with an emphasis on an “in-Canada focus.” This new direction highlights Canada’s commitment to prioritizing candidates who are already living in the country, especially temporary residents looking to transition to permanent residency.
What is the “In-Canada Focus” Strategy?
The “in-Canada focus” represents a strategic shift in immigration policy, aimed at easing the pathway for temporary residents to gain permanent status. The approach targets international students, temporary foreign workers, and other temporary residents who have already contributed to Canada’s economy.
By providing these individuals with faster routes to permanent residency, the policy helps address labor shortages, supports economic growth, and facilitates smoother integration into Canadian society.
Transitioning Temporary Residents to Permanent Residency
Recognizing the value of individuals who have Canadian work experience or education, the 2025-2027 Immigration Plan aims to boost the number of permanent residency spots available under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This program managed through Express Entry, is designed to attract candidates who are already well-integrated into the labor market.
Temporary residents with Canadian experience are often better positioned to adapt quickly, making them ideal for sectors facing urgent labor needs, such as:
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Construction
- Manufacturing
Supporting Economic Growth and Addressing Labor Shortages
By focusing on individuals already residing in Canada, the government can more effectively address ongoing labor shortages in key industries. The plan not only supports economic growth but also strengthens communities by retaining skilled workers who are already familiar with Canadian culture and workplace dynamics.
Express Entry Rounds of Invitations in October 2024
Canada’s Express Entry system was highly active in October 2024, with multiple rounds of invitations targeting specific categories of skilled workers. Here’s an overview of each draw, the number of invitations issued, and the required Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.
| Specifics | October 23, 2024 | October 22, 2024 | October 21, 2024 | October 10, 2024 | October 9, 2024 | October 7, 2024 |
| Category | Targeted draw for 10 trade occupations | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | Level 7 in French proficiency | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
| Invitations | 1,800 | 400 | 648 | 1,000 | 500 | 1,613 |
| CRS Cutoff | 433 | 539 | 791 | 444 | 539 | 743 |
| Tie-breaking Rule | March 12, 2024, at 14:30:36 UTC | October 19, 2024 at 21:53:18 UTC | August 13, 2024 at 20:04:52 UTC | September 27, 2024, at 18:56:32 UTC | February 20, 2024, at 02:57:40 UTC | March 22, 2024, at 18:36:54 UTC |