Express Entry
Express Entry: IRCC Invites 1,325 Candidates in the Latest All-Program Draw
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its fourth Express Entry draw of the month, inviting 1,325 candidates across all programs. The draw, held on December 18, 2023, marked a crucial event for aspiring immigrants, with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff score of 542.
The draw follows a series of targeted draws earlier in December, including a focus on STEM occupations, French proficiency, and a general all-program draw.
Express Entry Draw Highlights: 18 December, 2023
- Draw Date and Time: December 18, 2023, at 16:12:22 UTC.
- Number of Invitations Issued: 1,325
- CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate: 542
- Tie-Breaking Rule: Before November 06, 2023, at 14:40:23 UTC
Express Entry candidates now have a 60-day window to submit their applications, with processing expected within the standard six-month timeframe.
A Recap of Recent Draws in December
After an unexpected pause in Express Entry draws lasting for five weeks, IRCC made a triumphant return with three consecutive draws from December 6th to 8th.
- The December 8 draw focused on STEM occupations, extending 5,900 invitations to candidates with a minimum CRS of 481.
- On December 7, a category-based draw targeted individuals with French language proficiency, resulting in 1,000 invitations with a minimum CRS of 470.
- December 6 marked an all-program draw after over a month, inviting candidates with a minimum CRS of 561.
- The last draw before the December series, on October 26, was a category-based selection for healthcare occupations.
The recent draw on December 18th adds to a total of 12,975 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued since the resumption. The cumulative data showcases the diversity of draws, catering to various candidate profiles and occupational backgrounds.
Express Entry in 2023: A Year in Review
In 2023, IRCC demonstrated its commitment to immigration goals by issuing 108,196 ITAs. This follows a remarkable year in 2021, where a record-breaking 114,431 ITAs were issued, setting a new benchmark for Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program candidates. The ambitious immigration target for 2023 stands at 465,000, showcasing Canada’s commitment to attracting global talent.
What Sets the Express Entry Apart?
Express Entry, Canada’s premier application management system, oversees three significant economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Employing the Comprehensive Ranking System, Express Entry evaluates candidates based on human capital factors such as work experience, language proficiency, education, age, and occupation. The highest CRS scorers receive coveted Invitations to Apply, paving the way for permanent residence in Canada.
The recent Express Entry draw signifies a positive turn for candidates, marking the end of a temporary pause. As Canada aims for record immigration numbers in 2023, prospective immigrants should stay informed about the evolving landscape of the latest express entry draws, CRS cutoffs, and program-specific invitations.
