Maple News reports that Express Entry candidates eligible for category-based selection draws have a distinct advantage in 2024, even if their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores fall below the typical threshold of 500. Recent trends show that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to individuals through targeted draws with significantly lower CRS cut-offs than general rounds.
The CRS is a merit-based points system used by IRCC to rank Express Entry candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills. These scores determine eligibility in each draw, and only those with CRS scores above the cut-off receive invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
However, amid rising concerns about high cut-off scores—no general Express Entry draw in 2024 has had a threshold below 524—category-based draws have emerged as a more accessible alternative. To date in 2024, IRCC has conducted eight category-based draws, all with CRS cut-offs at least 33 points lower than their general draw counterparts.
In contrast, general and program-specific draws this year have maintained high CRS cut-offs, limiting the selection of many qualified candidates. In 2023, 17 out of 25 non-category-based draws had lower cut-offs—some even dipping below 500—highlighting this year’s notable shift towards stricter general selection criteria.
The introduction of category-based draws aims to address Canada’s specific labor market needs by targeting candidates in priority fields such as healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture, as well as those with strong French language abilities. These selections align more closely with Canada’s long-term economic strategies and regional development goals.
For candidates with competitive but lower CRS scores, qualifying under one of these categories can greatly improve their chances of being invited. The ongoing emphasis on targeted draws reflects IRCC’s efforts to attract skilled professionals in sectors experiencing labor shortages.
Maple News encourages potential applicants to assess whether they meet the criteria for these in-demand categories, as this pathway may provide a more attainable route to permanent residence amid increasingly competitive general draws.