Canada’s Latest Express Entry Draws: High CRS Scores
This year witnessed its first invitation draw specifically targeting candidates in STEM occupations, held just a day after a general draw on April 10.
Gurmeet Sharma
The latest draw, which took place on April 11, saw 4,500 STEM candidates invited to apply, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement of 491.
The previous day’s general draw saw 1,280 candidates invited with a notably high CRS score requirement of 549, marking the highest threshold for any draw in 2024 to date.
2024 began with a general draw on January 10, necessitating a CRS score of at least 546. Since then, CRS score requirements for general draws have shown a downward trend over subsequent months. For instance, the general draw on March 25 invited 1,980 candidates with a CRS score of 524.
General draws encompass candidates from all three Express Entry-managed programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). In these draws, a high CRS score is the primary determinant for receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
2024 Express Entry Draw Summary:
- April 11 (STEM occupations): 4,500 ITAs, Min CRS: 491
- April 10 (General): 1,280 ITAs, Min CRS: 549
- March 26 (French language proficiency): 1,500 ITAs, Min CRS: 388
- March 25 (General): 1,980 ITAs, Min CRS: 524
- March 13 (Transport occupations): 975 ITAs, Min CRS: 430
- March 12 (General): 2,850 ITAs, Min CRS: 525
- February 29 (French language proficiency): 2,500 ITAs, Min CRS: 336
- February 28 (General): 1,470 ITAs, Min CRS: 534
- February 16 (Agriculture and agri-food occupations): 150 ITAs, Min CRS: 437
- February 14 (Healthcare occupations): 3,500 ITAs, Min CRS: 422
- February 13 (General): 1,490 ITAs, Min CRS: 535
- February 1 (French language proficiency): 7,000 ITAs, Min CRS: 365
- January 31 (General): 730 ITAs, Min CRS: 541
- January 23 (General): 1,040 ITAs, Min CRS: 543
- January 10 (General): 1,510 ITAs, Min CRS: 546
The category-based selection draws, introduced in May 2023, enable Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to focus on Express Entry candidates with in-demand skills or specific human capital attributes. Six categories confirmed to be in focus throughout 2024 include Healthcare, STEM professions, Trades, Transport, Agriculture and agri-food occupations, and strong French proficiency. Candidates must have an existing application in the Express Entry pool to be eligible for these targeted draws.
