IRCC Shakes Up Express Entry with New Category-Based Selections
Stay updated on the latest Express Entry draw! IRCC issues 1,085 ITAs in a PNP-specific draw with a minimum CRS score of 727. Learn about trends & updates.
Gurmeet Sharma
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has held its third Express Entry draw of December, issuing invitations to apply (ITAs) to skilled candidates aiming for Canadian permanent residency. Below is a structured update on the latest developments.
Highlights of the Latest Draw
- Date: December 16
- Draw Type: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Number of ITAs Issued: 1,085
- Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score: 727
This draw follows two earlier rounds in December:
- December 3: A category-based draw for candidates with French language proficiency, requiring a CRS score of 466.
- December 2: A PNP-specific draw with a minimum CRS score of 705.
Patterns and Trends in Recent Draws
IRCC continues to alternate between PNP, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and French language proficiency draws. This approach aligns with Canada's Immigration Levels Plan for 2025–2027, which emphasizes targeted admissions through the "In-Canada" focus category.
- Allocation for 2025:
- 82,980 permanent residency (PR) admissions planned for CEC and other regional programs, representing over 40% of total planned admissions.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) candidates may also benefit from this category.
Summary of 2024 Express Entry Draws
Below is a summary of notable draws in recent months:
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,085 | 727 |
| December 3 | French language proficiency | 800 | 466 |
| December 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 676 | 705 |
| November 20 | Healthcare occupations | 3,000 | 463 |
| November 19 | Canadian Experience Class | 400 | 539 |
| November 18 | Provincial Nominee Program | 174 | 816 |
For a complete record of 2024 draws, see the detailed table provided at the end.
Understanding Express Entry
Express Entry is the primary system for managing applications under three federal economic immigration programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Candidates in PNP-aligned streams are also invited through an enhanced nomination process.
How It Works
Applicants are assessed using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which evaluates factors such as:
- Age
- Education
- Language proficiency
- Work experience
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, significantly increasing the chances of receiving an ITA. Additional points may also be awarded for:
- Family ties in Canada
- Spousal/partner qualifications
- Canadian work or education experience
Category-Based Selections
IRCC has introduced category-based draws to target candidates meeting specific labor market or demographic needs, such as:
- French language proficiency
- Healthcare and STEM occupations
CRS Advantage: These draws often have lower CRS cut-offs compared to general or program-specific draws.
Key Takeaways
The consistent frequency of draws and the introduction of category-based selections reflect Canada’s focused strategy to address labor shortages and promote economic growth through immigration. Candidates with high CRS scores or relevant qualifications in priority categories are well-positioned to secure ITAs in future draws.
For aspiring immigrants, staying informed of draw trends and optimizing CRS scores is crucial for success in the Express Entry system.
