In the most recent Express Entry lottery, Invitations to Apply (ITAs) have been released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
In a general draw, 1,490 individuals were invited by the department.
A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 535 was needed of candidates.
IRCC has convened five drawings in 2024 thus far. In the first, 1,510 applicants with a minimum CRS of 546 were invited in a general draw on January 10.
Both of the subsequent drawings were generic. The department sent out invitations to 1,040 applicants with a minimum CRS of 543 on January 23 and 730 applicants with a minimum score of 541 on January 31.
On February 1, the biggest draw of the year saw 7,000 applicants called to a category-based selection draw for French-speaking Express Entry hopefuls.
An overview of the 2024 Express Entry draw results
| 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 |
Acceptance of a new language exam for Express Entry programs
The Pearson Test of English Core (PTE) is now accepted by the IRCC as of January 30 for all immigration streams, with the exception of the Student Direct Stream.
Thus, when they upload their profile to the IRCC website, candidates for Express Entry have an additional choice for taking the English language proficiency exam.
A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score is required of candidates; the score varies based on the Express Entry managed program for which they are applying. The IRCC uses the CLB to assess a candidate’s language proficiency in four areas: speaking, writing, reading, and listening.
For instance, applicants wishing to apply through the Federal Skilled Worker Program need to receive at least a 7 in each category on the CLB.
If their line of work is in a National Occupation Classification TEER category of 0 or 1, candidates for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) must additionally have a score of 7. CEC Applicants must receive a CLB 5 if their line of work is in the NOC TEER category 2 or 3.
Candidates for the Federal Skilled Trades Program must have at least a level 4 in reading and writing and a minimum CLB level of 5 in speaking and hearing.
The PTE is the third way that applicants for Express Entry can send the IRCC their results from an English language exam. Last year, the agency declared that it had been authorized. To obtain their CLB score in English, candidates may also take the CELPIP General or IELTS General Training exams.
Express Entry: What Is It?
The Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program are the three economic immigration programs for skilled workers that are managed via the application management system Express Entry.
Candidates are assessed by these programs using the Comprehensive Ranking System according to their human capital attributes, which include age, education, employment history, vocation, and language proficiency. A candidate’s total CRS score is determined by adding the scores for each factor. Each factor is given a score.
A applicant is rated against other candidates and added to the Express Entry application pool after they get a CRS score. In a future Express Entry lottery, the applicants most likely to obtain an invitation are those with the highest CRS scores.
Apart from the three Express Entry programs, the IRCC implemented invitation rounds for category-based selection in May 2023. Six new categories were established by the department to focus on particular aspects of human capital. Candidates who can demonstrate fluency in French are placed in one group. The following five categories are based on occupation:
- Jobs in healthcare
- STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)
- tradespeople in positions like contractors, plumbers, and carpenters
- Jobs in transportation
- Jobs in agriculture and agri-food
To be considered for category-based selection, candidates must be qualified for an Express Entry program and have an application through one of the three programs in the pool.
