A Comprehensive Guide To Canada’s Express Entry Draws

Recently, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its second Express Entry draw, with results announced on April 24, 2024.

In this recent draw, IRCC issued 1,400 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates proficient in French, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 410. This draw marked the department's return to French-language proficiency selections since the previous draw on March 26, 2024.

Preceding this, IRCC conducted a general Express Entry draw on April 23, 2024, where 2,095 ITAs were granted to candidates with a minimum CRS score of 529. In this guide, we will talk all about the Express Entry Draw and how you can apply for one. 

What Is Express Entry Draw?

The Express Entry immigration selection mechanism which is administered by IRCC calls in the desired immigrants from so many economic programs. Among them are the Federal Skilled Worker category, Federal Skilled Trade stream, Canadian Experience Class, and the Canadian PNP programs.

Express Entry has furnished two kinds of draws: the general draw where only those who have qualified for any federal economic immigration program can participate and the program-specific draw where the candidates are only selected based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

Here are the details of recent Express Entry draws in 2024:

Essential Elements Of An Express Entry Draw

Understanding the framework of an Express Entry draw is vital for individuals seeking to immigrate to Canada through this competitive process. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the key components defining each draw. 

Additional Points For Express Entry

The following table shows a breakdown of what is worth “additional points” for Express Entry:

How To Apply For Express Entry Draw?

Here is how you can apply for the express entry draw on the official website:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Married or living together? Choose only one of you as the principal applicant to initiate your profile submission, hence, including the spouse or partner. The principal applicant should ideally:

• Meet eligibility criteria.

• To maximize your points through the selection factors (if you are going through the Federal Skilled Workers Program).

• Gain the maximum number of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.

To check eligibility, choose one of two options on the official website:

• Use a Come to Canada tool that has a personalized reference code for profile taking over.

• Or, complete a questionnaire in your secure account:

• In Sign in to your account, click "Apply to come to Canada" under "Start an application" on the home page.

• Select "Express Entry" rather than entering a Personal Reference Code.

• Answer the questions provided.

Step 2: Create Your Profile

If using the online tool:

• After verifying your eligibility, proceed to your online account to register for the Express Entry profile.

• Just sign up if you do not already have an account (if so).

• Input personal reference code if needed.

• Enter personal details.

If completing the questionnaire in your secure account:

• Get the data from the documents you need, like (for example) the outcomes of a language achievement test, NOC job title, and code).

• Save the data at any point; the information will remain on your account.

• Give yourself 60 days to fill in this form and finish it; or else, you can repeat this activity from the beginning. No need to give information about dependent children at this stage yet.

Step 3: Apply Now

Once your profile has been finished, type it and send it online. Notifying participants of their eligibility for the Express Entry system and available programs will follow our evaluation of the provided information.

Note: The possibility to select a program is not available when setting up a profile.

Conclusion

These draws are central to Canada's immigration strategy, reflecting specific labor and integration priorities. Each draw offers potential immigrants a glimpse into their chances of success, guided by the shifting requirements and targeted qualifications. While the specifics of future draws, especially in categories like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), are uncertain, the overarching direction is clear—Canada is shaping an immigration system that aligns closely with its evolving needs. Prospective immigrants must remain adaptive and well-prepared to navigate this dynamic pathway to Canadian residency.