Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued invitations to apply (ITAs) for the current Express Entry draw.
The department held a category-based selection draw for candidates with French language proficiency, inviting 7,000 applicants.
Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 365. The lowest minimum CRS score of the year thus far.
Today’s draw is the second of the week, following the general draw on January 31, which had 730 candidates. They required at least a CRS of 541.
In January, there were two other draws. The first was on January 23, and 1,040 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 543 were invited to a general draw. The previous draw took place on January 10 and was also general, inviting 1,510 individuals with a CRS score of 546.
It is still too early in the year to anticipate how Express Entry draws will progress throughout 2024. IRCC held 42 drawings in 2023 and gave ITAs to over 110,000 candidates to help satisfy both the 2023 and 2024 admissions targets.
Changes in Post Graduation Work Permits
Many Express Entry candidates get the necessary work experience for their programs by working in Canada after graduating from a Canadian post-secondary institution. The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is one of the most popular work permits issued to recent graduates.
On January 22, IRCC announced revisions to the eligibility requirements for PGWPs. International students enrolled in a private college program that is part of a curriculum licensing agreement with a public college will be ineligible for a PGWP beginning September 1.
Graduate students in programs less than eight months will now be eligible for a three-year PGWP. Currently, graduates are ineligible for a PGWP if their program is shorter than eight months, and the duration of a PGWP is determined by the length of the graduate’s academic program. For example, a one-year program would qualify for a one-year permit.
This implies that more graduate students will be able to have enough work experience in Canada to be considered for a seat in the Express Entry application pool.
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
