IRCC Extends 1,980 Invitations in Latest Express Entry Draw

In its latest move, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has reached out to 1,980 candidates through the third Express Entry draw of the month. This draw, which encompassed a broad spectrum of candidates, saw invitations to apply (ITAs) being dispatched to 1,980 individuals. To qualify, candidates needed to meet a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 524.

Mar 25, 2024 - 21:57
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IRCC Extends 1,980 Invitations in Latest Express Entry Draw

Today's announcement comes on the heels of two earlier draws held on March 12 and 13. The March 12 draw, which was open to a wider pool of candidates, granted ITAs to 2,850 individuals with a minimum CRS score of 525. Notably, this marked the lowest general draw score of the year up to that point.

This score demonstrated a decrease of nine points from the preceding general draw held on February 28 and a significant 21-point decline from the initial general draw of 2024 on January 10, which stood at 546. It's worth noting that IRCC considers candidates from all programs and categories in general draws.

The March 13 draw, on the other hand, adopted a category-based approach, focusing on Express Entry candidates in transport occupations. Applicants needed to meet a minimum CRS score of 430 to be considered, marking the first such draw since December 20, 2023.

Since the implementation of category-based selection draws, IRCC has extended invitations to 2,645 candidates in transport occupations.

Express Entry Draw Summary for 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

What Is Category-Based Selection?

Category-based selection draws were introduced by IRCC in May 2023 as a method to pinpoint Express Entry candidates possessing in-demand skills and attributes and extend ITAs accordingly.

IRCC established six categories that will remain effective throughout 2024:

  1. Healthcare occupations
  2. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
  3. Trades occupations, including carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
  4. Transport occupations
  5. Agriculture and agri-food occupations
  6. Strong French proficiency

These categories align with Canada's pressing labor shortages and IRCC's mission to promote the French language outside of Quebec. Notably, French-speaking candidates have received the highest number of ITAs since the introduction of these categories.

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Gurmeet Sharma Gurmeet Sharma is a Canada-based licensed immigration professional (RCIC-IRB, License No. R1041959) and the founder of Immiscope Immigration and Refugee Consultancy Ltd., headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. </br> He is a graduate of Queen’s University’s Graduate Diploma in Immigration and Citizenship Law and is authorized to represent clients in immigration and refugee matters before the appropriate Canadian authorities. His work is guided by professional standards, ethical practice, and a commitment to accuracy in immigration advice. With a strong background in technology, entrepreneurship, and legal training, Gurmeet brings a structured and analytical approach to interpreting Canada’s complex immigration system. He focuses on translating policy changes, program updates, and regulatory developments into clear, practical insights that individuals can understand and apply. Through ImmiNews.ca, Gurmeet provides reliable, up-to-date immigration news combined with expert analysis. His content is designed to help applicants, students, skilled workers, and families make informed decisions based on current laws, official guidelines, and real-world application of immigration rules. His mission is to reduce confusion in the immigration process by offering transparent, fact-based, and experience-driven guidance — ensuring individuals are not just informed, but empowered. ? Book a Consultation If you need personalized guidance for your immigration matter, you can book a consultation here: https://www.immiscope.com/consult