In the third Express Entry draw of the week, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 3,750 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for healthcare occupations. Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 445 to qualify.

This draw marks the second category-based selection of the week, following a July 4 draw targeting 1,800 candidates in trade occupations. Earlier, on July 2, IRCC held a draw exclusively for candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), issuing 920 ITAs to those with a minimum CRS score of 739.

With a total of 6,470 ITAs issued this week, this is the highest number since April. The trend of program-specific draws, initiated earlier this year, has continued. Since May 30, IRCC has conducted four such draws, three of which focused on PNP candidates.

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Program-specific draws are tailored for candidates within the Express Entry pool who apply through programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). PNP-only draws consider candidates with enhanced nominations through an Express Entry-aligned PNP stream.

This recent emphasis on program-specific draws aims to stabilize the number of temporary residents in Canada by providing more pathways for temporary residents, such as those on work or study permits or visitor visas, to obtain permanent residency (PR).

Many temporary residents apply for PR through the CEC or PNP, aligning with IRCC's goal of meeting its annual target for "Federal High Skilled Workers" as outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan. This approach also helps reduce the number of temporary residents in Canada.

Summary of Recent Express Entry Draw Results:

  • Date: July 5, 2024
  • ITAs Issued: 3,750
  • Minimum CRS Score: 445
  • Draw Type: Healthcare occupations

Understanding Express Entry

Introduced in 2015, the Express Entry application management system aims to streamline the process for candidates with desirable human capital attributes. It oversees applications from the FSWP, FSTP, and CEC.

The CRS evaluates candidates based on factors such as age, work experience, language ability, and occupation, assigning scores that determine their eligibility. Higher scores increase the likelihood of receiving an ITA in future draws.

Category-Based Selection

Launched in 2023, category-based selection draws allow IRCC to focus on candidates with specific in-demand attributes or to bolster the French-speaking population in Canada. The six categories eligible for ITAs include:

  • Healthcare occupations
  • Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
  • Trades occupations (e.g., carpenters, plumbers, contractors)
  • Transport occupations
  • Agriculture and agri-food occupations
  • French-language proficiency

These draws are not program-specific and often feature lower CRS score requirements compared to general draws.

Conclusion

The recent series of Express Entry draws demonstrates IRCC's commitment to addressing workforce needs and supporting the transition of temporary residents to permanent residency. By targeting specific categories and programs, IRCC aims to enhance Canada's labor market and demographic composition effectively.

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