Maple News reports that Canada’s federal immigration department, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), increased the frequency of Express Entry draws during October 2024, picking up momentum after a quieter September.
Throughout October, IRCC conducted six Express Entry draws across four selection streams, issuing a total of 5,961 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. This figure is on par with September’s total of 5,911 ITAs, although October’s increased number of draws meant that each tended to involve fewer candidates and higher Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off scores.
Significantly, IRCC also held its second draw of the year targeting trade occupations, following a three-month gap since the previous trade-focused round in July. The draw, conducted on October 23, issued 1,800 ITAs at a CRS cut-off of 433, highlighting Canada’s ongoing commitment to welcoming essential skilled trades professionals.
The October draws reflected Canada’s ongoing immigration priorities, with consistent selections under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and French Language Proficiency categories. These streams saw regular activity, aligning with IRCC’s strategy since July of focusing on both in-demand talent and candidates who demonstrate strong ties to Canada’s labor market and linguistic diversity.
Here’s a breakdown of the Express Entry draws held in October:
– October 7: 1,613 ITAs under the PNP stream (CRS 743)
– October 9: 500 ITAs for Canadian Experience Class (CRS 539)
– October 10: 1,000 ITAs for French Language Proficiency (CRS 444)
– October 21: 648 ITAs under the PNP stream (CRS 791)
– October 22: 400 ITAs for Canadian Experience Class (CRS 539)
– October 23: 1,800 ITAs for Trade Occupations (CRS 433)
CRS cut-off scores rose across the board compared to September, likely due to smaller draw sizes and sustained competition in the Express Entry pool, which remains a popular route for skilled immigration to Canada.
Maple News will continue to monitor and report on monthly changes to the Express Entry system, providing timely updates for individuals seeking to immigrate to Canada.