IRCC sent 670 ITAs in the transport category Express Entry draw on December 20, 2023. This turned out to be the third Express Entry draw of the week. The lowest CRS score for candidates in the transport occupations was 435 to qualify for an invitation to apply. This draw happened the same week after the December 18 and 19 draws.
IRCC sent 670 ITAs in the transport category Express Entry draw
The December 18 Express Entry draw was an all-program draw and issued ITAs to 1,325 candidates, while the minimum CRS score was 542.
On December 19, IRCC issued ITAs to 1,000 candidates in the second category-based selection draw concerning the trades occupations in 2023. In addition, the lowest CRS score cut-off turned out to be 425 in this draw. The previous trades occupation draw occurred on August 3, and ITAs were issued to 1,500 candidates.
IRCC also issued invitations to apply in the last week’s three draws. 5,900 candidates attained ITAs and had a minimum CRS score of 481 in the STEM occupation draw on December 8. Before this, on December 7, candidates with strong French skills issued ITAs to 1,000 candidates with a CRS score of 470.
On December 6, candidates in an all-program draw had a CRS score of 561. This draw happened after a pause of one month due to reasons unknown. The draw before this break occurred for candidates in the healthcare occupations on October 26.
IRCC didn’t officially reveal any reason behind this temporary break of Express Entry draws. However, the department did notify people regarding a technical flaw on November 14. This issue came up with the Express Entry profile builder and was even resolved after two days. Even after the technical issue was solved, no immediate draw took place.
However, the delay could have been due to other reasons. It could be because IRCC might be on track to fulfill Express Entry targets in the recent immigration plan. Additional reasons could be changes within the staff and upgrading the CRS.
Express Entry Draws from June 2023 onwards
Refer to the table below for the summary of Express Entry draws:
| Date | Program Type | ITAs Issued | Lowest CRS Score |
| June 8 | All-program | 4,800 | 486 |
| June 27 | All-program | 4,300 | 486 |
| June 28 | Healthcare occupations | 500 | 476 |
| July 4 | All-program | 700 | 511 |
| July 5 | STEM occupations | 500 | 486 |
| July 6 | Healthcare occupations | 1500 | 463 |
| July 7 | French language proficiency | 2,300 | 439 |
| July 11 | All-program | 800 | 505 |
| July 12 | French language proficiency | 3,800 | 375 |
| August 1 | All-program | 2,000 | 517 |
| August 2 | French language proficiency | 800 | 435 |
| August 3 | Trade occupations | 1,500 | 388 |
| August 15 | All-program | 4,300 | 496 |
| September 19 | All-Program | 3,200 | 531 |
| September 20 | Transport Occupations | 1,000 | 435 |
| September 26 | All-Program | 3,000 | 504 |
| September 27 | French Language Proficiency | 500 | 472 |
| September 28 | Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations | 600 | 354 |
| October 10 | All-Program Draw | 3,725 | 500 |
| October 24 | PNP-only | 1,548 | 776 |
| October 25 | French language proficiency | 300 | 486 |
| October 26 | Healthcare occupations | 3,600 | 431 |
| December 6 | All-Program Draw | 4,750 | 561 |
| December 7 | French Category-based draw | 1,000 | 470 |
| December 8 | STEM Occupations | 5,900 | 481 |
| December 18 | All-program | 1,325 | 542 |
| December 19 | Trade occupations | 1,000 | 425 |
| December 20 | Transport Occupations | 670 | 435 |
Conclusion
Express Entry operates through its primary programs, including the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the FSWP. It uses the Comprehensive Ranking System to provide scores to candidates to become eligible to receive an ITA for PR in Canada. They can obtain these scores based on human capital attributes like education, age, occupation, work experience, and language skills.
Candidates who are able to acquire the highest CRS score are likely to attain an ITA for Canadian PR. IRCC will process the permanent residence applications within six months.
The category-based selection draws under Express Entry began to combat the labor market shortages and bridge the gap. One of the five categories is for French language candidates who display proficiency. In addition, the five new categories include the following:
- Healthcare Occupation
- STEM Occupation
- Transport Occupation
- Trades
- Agriculture and Agri-Food
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].
