Maple News reports that on October 11, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the latest Express Entry draw, specifically targeting candidates with strong French-language proficiency. To be eligible, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 444.
This marks the third Express Entry draw by IRCC in a single week. On October 10, a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw invited 1,613 candidates who had earned provincial nominations, requiring a significantly higher CRS score threshold of 743. A separate draw on October 9 extended 500 invitations to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates, with a minimum CRS score of 539.
The accelerated series of draws underscores Canada’s increasingly dynamic immigration approach. Prior to this week, the latest activity in the system was a September 19 draw that invited 4,000 candidates from the CEC stream alone, where the lowest CRS cutoff was 509.
IRCC appears to be narrowing its focus within the category-based selection stream. Besides French-language proficiency, no other specialized categories have seen draws since the healthcare-focused selection held on July 5. Meanwhile, selection under the Canadian Experience Class has surged, with approximately 21,800 ITAs issued to CEC candidates since July.
This strategy aligns with IRCC’s broader commitment to prioritize ‘domestic draws’—candidates already residing and gaining experience in Canada—over bringing in more temporary residents. The move also supports Canada’s long-term permanent resident targets, as outlined in the government’s immigration strategy.
October’s activity signals a potentially busy month, with three draws already completed. By comparison, IRCC held four Express Entry draws in October of last year, inviting a total of 9,173 candidates.
Launched in 2015, Express Entry is Canada’s flagship immigration management system for economic migrants. It evaluates candidates based on factors like age, education, language ability, and work experience, aiming to fast-track high-potential individuals into the workforce to meet national economic needs.
As IRCC adapts to shifting labor demands and policy priorities, prospective applicants should closely monitor evolving trends, particularly category-based draws that now play a pivotal role in selection strategies.