Maple News reports that Canada’s Express Entry system saw a slower month of activity in December 2024, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issuing a total of 2,561 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). Despite the reduced number of draws compared to earlier in the fall, the new year has already seen a resumption in selection rounds as IRCC works to hit its immigration targets for 2025.
Data from the final month of 2024 showed a continuation of priority Express Entry categories. These include candidates aligned with enhanced Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and those with strong French-language proficiency—two groups that remain a focal point of Canada’s immigration strategy.
December featured just three draws, significantly fewer than the six held in both October and November. In October, 5,961 ITAs were issued, while November produced 5,507. December’s lower total reflects a strategic pause that often occurs toward the end of the calendar year.
Of the three draws in December:
– On December 2, 676 ITAs were issued to PNP candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 705.
– On December 3, a category-based draw for French-speaking candidates awarded 800 ITAs with a considerably lower CRS cutoff of 466.
– And on December 16, another PNP draw issued 1,085 ITAs to those with CRS scores of at least 727.
This pattern suggests that IRCC is maintaining its emphasis on regional immigration and linguistic diversity by targeting those who can support economic and social priorities in Canadian provinces. Candidates with French-language skills are especially valued, given the government’s goal of supporting Francophone communities outside Quebec.
As of January 2025, analysis of the Express Entry pool indicates that competition remains high, especially for those without either a provincial nomination or a standout profile such as French fluency. Nonetheless, the resumed draws in early January signal renewed momentum to meet the government’s ambitious immigration landing targets this year.
Applicants should continue monitoring draw patterns and consider ways to strengthen their Express Entry profiles—such as through securing a provincial nomination or improving language scores—to improve their chances of selection.
Maple News will continue to provide timely updates on Express Entry and Canada’s evolving immigration policies.