IRCC issued 150 ITAs in the recent Express Entry category-based draw for agricultural and agri-food occupations. This is the third Express Entry draw of the week. Candidates with a minimum CRS score of 437 received ITAs. Before this draw took place, two other draws occurred. The first one occurred on February 13 and emerged as a general draw. On February 14, IRCC issued 3,500 invitations to candidates in the healthcare category draw. These were candidates who demonstrated a CRS score of 422.
A category-based selection draw occurred on February 1, in which IRCC issued ITAs to 7,000 candidates who have strong French language skills. It turned out to be the most significant draw of 2024. In January, three general draws occurred, and IRCC invited 3,280 candidates in all three draws. The minimum CRS scores for these draws were between 546 and 541.
IRCC issued 150 ITAs in the recent Express Entry category draw – Summary of draws in 2024
| February 16 | Agriculture and agri-food occupations | 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 |
Details of the Express Entry category-based draws
IRCC brought six new categories under the Express Entry category-based selection draws based on human capital traits. The category-selection draws took effect in May last year after several meetings with the stakeholders, immigration researchers, provincial and territorial governments, and employers to bridge labor shortages and fill vacant positions. The six new categories are as follows:
- Healthcare occupations;
- Transport occupations;
- STEM professions;
- Agriculture and Agri-food occupations;
- Trade occupations – Carpenters, Plumbers, and Contractors
- French language proficiency
To be eligible for these types of draws, candidates must ensure they have an Express Entry profile in the pool and qualify for an Express Entry program.
Express Entry – A brief guide
Express Entry programs assess candidates through the Comprehensive Ranking System and rank them against each other based on a few human capital factors. These include work experience, language skills, education, age, and occupation. The three prominent programs are FSWP, FSTP, and the Canadian Experience Class. All these factors receive a point, and these points together contribute to a candidate’s CRS score. Candidates who receive a CRS score are ready to compete against other candidates in the pool. The candidates demonstrating the highest CRS score have more chances of receiving an ITA. After obtaining an invitation, they have 60 days to apply directly to IRCC for Canadian permanent residence.
If you wish to know more about Canada Express Entry, connect with our immigration experts at MakeHomeCanada. Our considerable experience in the immigration field can help you. You may write to us [email protected]
