1st Express Entry Draw of July Month | Canada Invites 920 Candidates

In Canada's recent Express Entry draw, a total of 920 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The draw was conducted specifically for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Candidates needed a minimum of 739 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to receive invitation.

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In the previous month, there were three program-specific draws. In a draw that was focused on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, the IRCC invited 1,499 candidates on June 19 with a minimum CRS score of 663. On May 30, 2,985 Express Entry applicants were selected in a (again) PNP-only draw which was the first of its kind since May 10, 2023, and was the first draw specifically related to a particular program. The next day, on May 31, 3,000 applicants from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) were invited in a separate draw.

All about category-based Express Entry draws

Only applicants applying through an Express Entry aligned programs like the CEC, FSWP, or FSTP are considered for program-specific draws. Candidates are also considered in PNP-only draws if nominated through an upgraded process linked with the Express Entry selection system. Category-based selection draws were introduced in May 2023 by the IRCC to stabilize Canada's high number of temporary residents such as those working, studying or on visit visa, offering more pathways for them to become permanent residents.

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) sees many temporary residents in Canada seeking permanent residency, including PNP candidates. This helps the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) meet the annual target for Federal High Skilled Workers while reducing the country's temporary resident population.

What is the New Category-based selection in Express Entry?

Category-based selection?in?Express Entry?refers to the practice of holding rounds of invitations that specifically target candidates with certain attributes or qualifications. These attributes could include proficiency in?French language?or?work experience?in specific occupations facing shortages. In the context mentioned, the categories include:

French-language proficiency:?candidates demonstrating proficiency in the French language.

Occupation-specific draws:?candidates with work experience in the below five key occupations facing shortages:

• Healthcare
• STEM Professions (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
• Trades
• Transport
• Agriculture and Agri-food

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The rationale behind?category-based EE Selection?is to address labor shortages in critical sectors of the Canadian economy. Canada aims to welcome?more skilled workers?to alleviate these shortages, especially considering the anticipated retirement of up to nine million Canadians by 2030. Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, emphasizes?the importance of skilled immigration in eliminating these shortages.

Check if you?qualify for Express Entry. Check out our?Settlement Resources?to learn how to find employment in Canada, making your initial days stress-free, etc.