IRCC carries out its initial Express Entry draw for CEC applicants after 2021

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Express Entry Update

IRCC has issued its first round of Express Entry invitations for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates since September 14, 2021. Here are the results of IRCC’s May 31 Express Entry draw.

In the second Express Entry draw in as many days, IRCC issued 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) today. This program-specific draw targeted candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 522.

This draw follows a program-specific draw on May 30, 2024, where IRCC issued 2,985 ITAs to Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates with a minimum CRS score of 676.

Express Entry Overview

Express Entry is IRCC’s application management system for three economic-class immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

As of June 2023, IRCC conducts three types of Express Entry draws: general, program-specific, and category-based.

General and Program-Specific Draws

These draws prioritize candidates with the highest CRS scores. CRS scores are based on factors like age, education, and work experience. Eligible candidates can create an online IRCC profile to receive their CRS score and must wait for the next draw to see if they receive an ITA. Successful ITA recipients must have a CRS score above the draw’s cut-off to submit their electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR) to IRCC.

Category-Based Draws

First introduced in June 2023, category-based draws aim to address Canada’s labor market gaps and demographic needs. These draws target candidates with specific work experience and proficiencies deemed “in-demand” by IRCC.

The focus areas for category-based draws are:

  • Work experience in Healthcare
  • Work experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
  • Work experience in Trades
  • Work experience in Transport
  • Work experience in Agriculture and Agri-Food
  • Strong French language proficiency (minimum score of 7 in all 4 language abilities on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens” (NCLC))

IRCC has confirmed that the same focus categories will continue for 2024.