“In the most recent Express Entry draw, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued invitations to apply (ITAs), inviting 1,490 candidates through a general selection process. Eligible candidates needed to attain a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 535.”
“In 2024, IRCC has conducted five draws to date. The initial draw occurred on January 10, inviting 1,510 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 546 through a general selection process. Subsequently, two more general draws followed. On January 23, the department invited 1,040 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 543, and on January 31, 730 candidates were invited with a minimum score of 541.”
“The largest draw of the year thus far occurred on February 1, inviting 7,000 candidates through a category-based selection process tailored for Express Entry applicants proficient in French.”
New language test accepted for Express Entry programs
“Starting January 30, IRCC has expanded its acceptance of language proficiency tests to include the Pearson Test of English Core (PTE) for all immigration streams except the Student Direct Stream. Consequently, Express Entry candidates now have an additional choice for English language assessment when submitting their profiles on the IRCC website.”
“Applicants are required to achieve a specific Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score, which varies depending on the Express Entry managed program they are applying for. The CLB assesses candidates’ language proficiency across four areas: reading, speaking, listening, and writing. For instance, individuals applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program must attain a minimum CLB score of 7 in each category.”
“For candidates applying through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), a CLB score of 7 is necessary if their occupation corresponds to a National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER category of 0 or 1. However, candidates with occupations falling under NOC TEER categories 2 or 3 are required to achieve a CLB score of 5.”
“For the Federal Skilled Trades Program, candidates must attain a minimum CLB level of 5 in speaking and listening, and at least a level 4 in reading and writing.
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) has been introduced as the third option for Express Entry candidates to submit their English language test results to IRCC, as announced by the department last year. Candidates also have the option to take the CELPIP General or IELTS General Training
What is Express Entry?
“Express Entry functions as an application management system overseeing three economic immigration programs tailored for skilled workers: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
These programs employ the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to assess candidates according to various human capital factors, including language proficiency, work history, occupation, educational background, and age. Each factor is assigned a score, which is then aggregated to determine the candidate’s overall CRS score.”
“After obtaining a CRS score, candidates are placed into the Express Entry application pool where they are ranked relative to other applicants. Those with the highest CRS scores are prioritized and have a greater chance of receiving an invitation in the subsequent Express Entry draw.”
“Beyond the existing trio of Express Entry programs, in May 2023, IRCC introduced category-based selection rounds for invitations. This initiative comprises six new categories tailored to specific human capital attributes. One category focuses on candidates showcasing proficiency in the French language, while the remaining five categories are occupation-based, encompassing:
Healthcare occupations
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
Trades occupations, including carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
Transport occupations
Agriculture and agri-food occupations
Candidates must meet eligibility criteria for an Express Entry program and have an active application in the pool through one of the three existing programs to be eligible for consideration under the category-based selection.”