IRCC Issues More Invitations Through Express Entry System

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 4,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) in its latest Express Entry draw. This draw specifically targeted candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program.

Candidates in this draw needed to meet a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 521. To be eligible, they had to create an Express Entry profile by 2:52:14 AM on November 14, 2024 (Coordinated Universal Time or UTC).

This draw is the second of the week. The first, held on February 4, invited 455 candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which targets individuals with provincial nominations. In January 2025, IRCC issued a total of 5,821 ITAs to candidates in both the CEC and enhanced PNP programs.

Breakdown of Recent Express Entry Draws

• February 5, 2025: CEC Draw - 4,000 ITAs, CRS Score: 521
• February 4, 2025: PNP Draw - 455 ITAs, CRS Score: 802
• January 23, 2025: CEC Draw - 4,000 ITAs, CRS Score: 527
• January 8, 2025: CEC Draw - 1,350 ITAs, CRS Score: 542
• January 7, 2025: PNP Draw - 471 ITAs, CRS Score: 793

Express Entry and PNP Draw Trends

In 2025, IRCC is expected to continue issuing the majority of ITAs to candidates in priority categories. These categories include:

• CEC and PNP candidates (especially those in the new "In-Canada Focus" category)
• Category-based selections, particularly for healthcare workers, trades workers, and those with advanced French-language skills (through the "Federal Economic Priorities" category).

The federal government aims to invite over 124,000 new permanent residents in 2025 through these two categories. The second half of 2024 focused primarily on inviting candidates who fit these high-priority groups.

Understanding Express Entry vs. PNP

Canada’s immigration system involves both federal and provincial programs. The federal government has final authority over immigration decisions, even when a provincial or territorial government is involved.

Express Entry is Canada’s largest federal immigration system and includes three main pathways:

1. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
2. The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
3. The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

On the other hand, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are run by individual provinces and territories. Each PNP has its own set of immigration streams that cater to the needs of that particular region. PNPs can be divided into two types:

1. Base PNP programs: These require applicants to submit a candidate profile in an Expression of Interest (EOI) pool. If nominated by the province, they can apply for permanent residence through the federal government.
2. Enhanced or Express Entry-aligned PNP streams: These are linked to Express Entry. Candidates who are nominated by a province also get an extra 600 CRS points, which gives them a high chance of receiving an ITA in the next draw.