Express Entry
Canada Issued 500 Invitations for Canadian Experience Class in the Latest Express Entry Draw #317
On October 9, 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its most recent Express Entry draw, targeting candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). In this round, 500 invitations were issued to applicants with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 539 or higher. This draw, labelled as Express Entry Draw #317, highlights Canada’s ongoing efforts to attract skilled workers who have already gained Canadian work experience.
It follows an earlier draw on October 7, 2024, which focused on the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), where 1,613 invitations were sent to candidates with a minimum CRS score of 743. These back-to-back draws reflect Canada’s commitment to filling labor gaps and supporting economic growth by welcoming experienced talent into the country.
| Draw Date | Program | Invitations Issued | CRS Cut-off |
| October 9, 2024 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 500 | 539 |
| October 7, 2024 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 1,613 | 743 |
CRS Score Trends in 2024: What the Data Tells Us
Canada’s Express Entry system has become increasingly selective throughout 2024, tailoring draws to specific candidate categories and sectors. The CRS score requirements have varied depending on the target group, reflecting the nation’s evolving immigration priorities. Let’s explore some trends observed over the year:
- General Draws (No Program Specified): Across 9 draws, a total of 14,445 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, with CRS scores averaging 536.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): In 9 draws, 12,167 invitations were handed out, with an average CRS score of 695.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): This program saw 7 draws with 25,300 ITAs, and an average CRS score of 519.
- French-Speaking Candidates: With 8 draws focused on bilingual applicants, 20,400 invitations were issued, and the average CRS score stood at 390.
- Healthcare Professionals: Over 2 draws, 7,250 ITAs were issued, with an average CRS score of 433.5.
These statistics highlight Canada’s ongoing emphasis on key sectors like healthcare and technology, as well as efforts to attract French-speaking applicants to address specific labor market needs.
The Game-Changing Advantage of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
For immigration candidates aiming to significantly increase their chances of receiving an ITA, securing a provincial nomination can be transformative. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow individual provinces and territories to select candidates who match their economic and labor needs. A nomination from a province gives the applicant an automatic 600-point boost to their CRS score, drastically improving their ranking.
For example, a candidate with a CRS score of 150 could see their score jump to 750 with a provincial nomination, putting them well ahead in future draws, such as the recent PNP draw in October 2024. This extra leverage can often be the key to receiving an ITA for permanent residency.
A Closer Look at Canada’s Express Entry System
Canada’s Express Entry system is the primary pathway for skilled workers to apply for permanent residency. It operates on a points-based system—the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)—which scores candidates based on specific factors, including:
Work experience in eligible occupations
Educational background
Proficiency in English and/or French
Age
Express Entry profiles are ranked by their CRS score, with the highest-ranking applicants invited to apply for permanent residency. The system manages applications under three main immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Only the top-ranking profiles from periodic draws receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
