IRCC invites new Permanent Residents through Express Entry

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Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently issued 1,470 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence through the Express Entry system. This general draw, encompassing candidates from all Express Entry programs, required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 534.

 

This latest round of invitations is part of a series of draws conducted by IRCC, with three others that took place from February 13 to 16. On February 13, IRCC initiated its second general draw of the month, issuing 1,490 ITAs to candidates needing a minimum CRS score of 535. Subsequently, targeted draws for healthcare and agriculture and agri-food occupations were held on February 14 and 16, demanding lower CRS scores of 422 and 437, respectively.

 

Throughout 2024, Express Entry draws have varied, targeting different categories and occupations, as detailed below:

 

February 28 (General): 1,470 ITAs, Minimum CRS 534

February 16 (Agriculture and agri-food occupations): 150 ITAs, Minimum CRS 437

February 14 (Healthcare occupations): 3,500 ITAs, Minimum CRS 422

February 13 (General): 1,490 ITAs, Minimum CRS 535

February 1 (French language proficiency): 7,000 ITAs, Minimum CRS 365

January 31 (General): 730 ITAs, Minimum CRS 541

January 23 (General): 1,040 ITAs, Minimum CRS 543

January 10 (General): 1,510 ITAs, Minimum CRS 546

 

In May 2023, IRCC introduced category-based selection rounds, focusing on six new Express Entry draw categories, including healthcare, STEM professions, trades, transport, agriculture and agri-food occupations, and strong French proficiency. Following stakeholder consultations, IRCC confirmed that these categories would remain unchanged in 2024.

 

Express Entry serves as Canada's main system for processing immigration applications for economic candidates, utilizing a point-based Comprehensive Ranking System to prioritize applicants. High-ranking candidates are more likely to receive an ITA for permanent residency.

 

Moreover, candidates receiving a nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) are awarded an additional 600 CRS points, significantly enhancing their chances of receiving an ITA.

 

Upon receiving an ITA, candidates have 60 days to submit their final application for Canadian permanent residency to IRCC.

 

Looking ahead, IRCC's Immigration Levels Plan aims to welcome 110,770 new permanent residents through Express Entry in 2024, marking an increase from the 82,880 target in the previous year. The plan anticipates stabilizing this number to 117,500 in 2025 and 2026, with a noteworthy shift in 2025 as the PNP allocation rises to 120,000, making it the primary pathway for new economic immigrants to Canada.