IRCC sent 1490 ITAs in the recent Express Entry general draw. Eligible candidates were those who met the minimum CRS score requirement of 535. The immigration department held five draws in 2024. The first draw occurred on January 10, when 1,510 students received invitations, with the lowest CRS score of 546. The first draw of 2024 was a general draw. After this draw, two more general draws were held. IRCC issued invitations to 1,040 candidates on January 23 to candidates who showcased a minimum CRS score of 543. In addition, there was another draw in which 730 ITAs were issued to candidates with a CRS score of 541. This general draw occurred on January 31.
The most significant draw (in size) was conducted on February 1 as IRCC issued ITAs to 7,000 candidates in an Express Entry category-based selection draw. This draw targeted candidates with stronger French proficiency.
Express Entry Draw Summary of 2024
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
| 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 |
PTE Core Language Test Approved for Express Entry Programs
From January 30, IRCC has accepted the Pearson Test of English Core for all immigration programs. This doesn’t include the Student Direct Stream. Furthermore, this indicates that Express Entry candidates can access an alternative for English language evaluation once they create an Express Entry profile on the official IRCC website.
However, candidates must ensure they fulfill the score per the Canadian Language Benchmark. The CLB score will depend on the Express Entry program the candidate will be applying for. The CLB is a method through which the department assesses a candidate’s skills. It evaluates them based on four categories, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
For instance, candidates under the Federal Skilled Worker Program must score at least 7 points in all four categories. Canadian Experience Class candidates will need to score 7 points if their profession is under a TEER category (1,0) of NOC. In addition, CEC candidates with professions under the TEER categories 2 and 3 must score CLB 5. Candidates applying through the Federal Skilled Trades Program must score at least CLB 5 in speaking and listening. Meanwhile, they can score a CLB 4 for reading and writing.
Express Entry candidates now have a third alternative for the submission of English language test results. IRCC recently declared that its approval happened last year (in 2023). On the other hand, candidates have the choice to undertake a CELPIP General or IELTS General Training to obtain their CLB English score.
IRCC Sent 1490 ITAs in the Recent Express Entry General Draw – More About Express Entry
Express Entry supervises immigration applications for its three programs, including the FSTP, the FSWP, and the CEC. These programs evaluate candidates using the Comprehensive Ranking System by assigning them scores based on human capital attributes. These factors include occupation, work experience, age, education, and language abilities. Each factor has a point value, and all the points together form a score. This means an overall CRS score of a candidate.
When a candidate receives a CRS score, he automatically enters the Express Entry pool. Candidates acquiring the highest scores are those who receive an ITA in the subsequent Express Entry draw.
Apart from the standard Express Entry draw focusing on three programs, IRCC also introduced six new categories on May 23 for category-based selection. One of the categories is for candidates who demonstrate high-level French skills. The other five categories are occupation-based; they are as follows:
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM);
- Healthcare Professions;
- Trade Occupations – Plumbers, Carpenters, and Contractors;
- Transport; and
- Agriculture and Agri-Food
Candidates must showcase eligibility for an Express Entry program and possess an application in the pool via one of the three programs for category selection.
If you seek information on Canada Express Entry, you can talk to our MakeHomeCanada experts at 1-800-979-0509, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].
