On July 12th, the immigration department conducted a category-based selection draw, inviting 3800 candidates with French language proficiency. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for these invited candidates was 375.

The day before, on July 11th, all-program draws continued, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issuing 800 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with a minimum CRS score of 505.

IRCC is expected to hold more targeted draws this week, reflecting their new policy of category-based draws designed to address Canada’s economic, cultural, and demographic needs. Already, specific draws for healthcare workers and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professionals have been conducted since the end of June.

The selected categories include:

1. Healthcare workers

2. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professionals

3. Trades such as Carpenters, Plumbers, and Contractors

4. Transportation workers

5. Agriculture and Agri-food workers

6. Candidates with strong French language proficiency

Types of Express Entry draws can candidates expect from IRCC

1. All-Program Invitations: These draws invite the highest-ranking candidates who are eligible for any of the three Express Entry programs.

2. Program-Specific Rounds of Invitations: In these draws, IRCC invites the highest-ranking candidates specifically eligible for a particular Express Entry program. For example, a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) focused draw will only invite eligible PNP candidates.

3. Category-Based Rounds of Invitations: IRCC establishes specific categories to address particular economic goals, inviting candidates who rank highest and are eligible for these categories. These draws complement general and program-specific rounds by targeting top-ranking candidates who can contribute to specific economic objectives.

Candidates should remember that eligibility for one of the three Express Entry programs is a prerequisite for inclusion in the pool.