Who’s Getting Invited? December 2024 Express Entry Pool Insights
Explore December 2024 Express Entry trends, including PNP, CEC, and healthcare draws. See CRS scores, ITA breakdowns, and pool composition updates.
Gurmeet Sharma
Recent Express Entry draws reveal a consistent focus on specific candidate categories, aligning with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) latest policies. December commenced with a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw, continuing the trends observed in October and November.
In the past two months, IRCC conducted six draws each, issuing between 5,507 and 5,961 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) monthly. These draws targeted PNP, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and category-based selection candidates, reflecting priorities outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan.
November Draw Highlights
Key Statistics:
- Total ITAs Issued: 5,507
- Focus Areas: PNP, CEC, Healthcare Occupations, French Proficiency
Breakdown of November Draws
| Draw Date | Category | Invitations Issued | CRS Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 20, 2024 | Healthcare Occupations | 3,000 | 463 |
| November 19, 2024 | Canadian Experience Class | 400 | 539 |
| November 18, 2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 174 | 816 |
| November 15, 2024 | French Language Proficiency | 800 | 478 |
| November 13, 2024 | Canadian Experience Class | 400 | 547 |
| November 12, 2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 733 | 812 |
Observation: Healthcare-related draws dominated November, accounting for 69% of ITAs. Smaller CEC and PNP draws resulted in higher CRS thresholds compared to earlier months.
Express Entry Pool Composition (as of December 1, 2024)
The following data illustrates the distribution of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores among candidates:
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| 0-300 | 5,615 |
| 301-350 | 22,280 |
| 351-400 | 50,609 |
| 401-450 | 45,371 |
| 451-500 | 51,097 |
| 501-600 | 18,673 |
| 601-1200 | 738 |
| Total | 218,490 |
Ranking CRS Scores: Percentile Analysis
The percentile analysis provides insight into how individual CRS scores compare across the pool:
| CRS Score Range | Percentile Range | Percentage of Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| 0-300 | 0.0 - 2.57% | 2.57% |
| 301-350 | 2.57 - 12.77% | 10.20% |
| 351-400 | 12.77 - 35.93% | 23.16% |
| 401-500 | 35.93 - 91.12% | 55.19% |
| 501-600 | 91.12 - 99.66% | 8.55% |
| 601-1200 | 99.66 - 100.00% | 0.34% |
Trends and Projections
The focus on PNP, CEC, and category-based selection candidates aligns with IRCC’s 2025 Immigration Levels Plan. Future draws are expected to prioritize candidates with:
- Healthcare or trades experience.
- Proficiency in French.
Additionally, PNP rounds will likely precede CEC and category-based selection rounds, maintaining the pattern established earlier in 2024.
This strategic allocation ensures targeted pathways for highly skilled workers and supports Canada’s broader economic and linguistic goals.
Stay Updated: As IRCC refines its approach to Express Entry, regular updates will provide valuable insights into draw patterns, pool composition, and immigration policy changes.
