Canada's Latest Express Entry Draw: General Draw
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues its 2024 Express Entry invitations with the latest draw, extending invites to 1,490 candidates under the general category. These candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 535 to qualify.
Gurmeet Sharma
In total, IRCC has conducted five Express Entry draws this year, starting on January 10, where 1,510 candidates were invited with scores starting at 546. Subsequent draws on January 23 and January 31 saw 1,040 and 730 candidates invited, requiring minimum CRS scores of 543 and 541, respectively. The year's most significant draw occurred on February 1, targeting 7,000 candidates proficient in French for a category-based selection, setting a lower CRS threshold at 365.
2024 Express Entry Draw Overview:
- February 13: General draw inviting 1,490 candidates with CRS of 535.
- February 1: French language proficiency draw inviting 7,000 candidates with CRS of 365.
- January 31: General draw inviting 730 candidates with CRS of 541.
- January 23: General draw inviting 1,040 candidates with CRS of 543.
- January 10: General draw inviting 1,510 candidates with CRS of 546.
Additionally, IRCC has expanded its English language testing options by accepting the Pearson Test of English Core (PTE) for all immigration categories, excluding the Student Direct Stream, effective January 30. This inclusion offers Express Entry applicants an additional avenue to demonstrate their English language proficiency alongside the existing CELPIP General and IELTS General Training tests.
Candidates must meet the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirements specific to their Express Entry program. Federal Skilled Worker Program applicants must achieve a minimum of CLB 7 in all four language skills, while Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants need CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 occupations and CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3. Federal Skilled Trades Program candidates are required to score at least CLB 5 in speaking and listening and CLB 4 in reading and writing.
This latest development underscores IRCC's commitment to diversifying language proficiency testing options, making the Express Entry system more accessible to potential migrants.
