Express Entry
IRCC Conducts Second Consecutive CEC Draw, Issuing 400 ITAs with CRS 539
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 400 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the latest CEC draw on November 19, 2024. Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 539 to qualify. This marks the second consecutive week of CEC-specific draws, highlighting the growing emphasis on supporting candidates with Canadian work experience.
This draw followed a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on November 18, where 174 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 816 were invited. Earlier in the month, IRCC invited 800 candidates with French language proficiency on November 15, requiring a CRS score of 478.
Key Insights: Express Entry Trends in 2024
Recent Express Entry Activity
IRCC has ramped up Express Entry draws, targeting various categories, including CEC, PNP, and French language proficiency.
Last week, 1,933 ITAs were issued across multiple streams, including:
400 CEC candidates
800 French-speaking candidates
733 PNP-aligned candidates
Federal Immigration Targets
According to IRCC’s latest Immigration Levels Plan, Canada aims to admit 124,680 Express Entry candidates in 2025.
Of these, more than 82,000 admissions will focus on the newly introduced In-Canada Focus category, primarily benefiting CEC candidates and others in the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and PNP streams.
The remaining 41,700 admissions will be dedicated to the Federal Economic Priorities category, targeting candidates with experience in in-demand professions.
Express Entry: A Key Pathway to Canadian PR
Express Entry manages applications for three key economic immigration programs:
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Selection Criteria
Candidates are evaluated using the CRS, which scores based on factors such as age, language proficiency, education, and work experience.
Additional points can be earned for:
Canadian education and work experience.
Family connections in Canada.
Provincial nominations, which add 600 CRS points.
Upcoming Opportunities
With federal targets rising, candidates in the Express Entry pool can expect more frequent and targeted draws in 2025. IRCC continues to prioritize diversity by focusing on language skills, specific occupations, and candidates with Canadian experience.
Recent Draw Summary (November 2024)
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
| November 19 | Canadian Experience Class | 400 | 539 |
| November 18 | Provincial Nominee Program | 174 | 816 |
| November 15 | French language proficiency | 800 | 478 |
| November 13 | Canadian Experience Class | 400 | 547 |
| November 12 | Provincial Nominee Program | 733 | 812 |
Canada’s Express Entry system continues to evolve with increasing targets, new categories, and innovative immigration policies. The ongoing focus on the Canadian Experience Class, alongside the In-Canada Focus category, reflects the government’s commitment to addressing labour market needs and integrating skilled workers with Canadian experience. For aspiring immigrants, now is an opportune time to assess eligibility and strengthen CRS profiles to maximize their chances of securing an ITA in upcoming draws.
