Understanding the Different Types of Express Entry Draws in Canada

Over the past six months, Canada's Express Entry system has conducted a variety of draws to invite skilled workers to apply for permanent residency. These draws target candidates based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores and other specific criteria. Here’s an overview of the different types of Express Entry draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the qualifications required for each category.

1. General Rounds of Invitations

General rounds of invitations are designed to invite top-ranking candidates from the Express Entry pool based on their CRS scores. These draws do not target specific programs or occupations but rather focus on the highest-scoring candidates overall.

Latest Draw

On April 10, 2024, a general round invited 1,280 candidates with a CRS cut-off of 549.

2. Program-Specific Rounds

Program-specific draws target candidates eligible for specific immigration programs managed under Express Entry, such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

Latest Draw

On May 31, 2024, a CEC-specific draw invited 3,000 candidates with a CRS cut-off of 522. Similarly, a PNP-specific draw on June 19, 2024, invited 1,499 candidates with a CRS cut-off of 663.

3. Category-Based Rounds

Introduced in 2023, category-based draws target candidates with specific skills and qualifications to meet Canada’s economic needs. The categories for 2024 include:

French-Language Proficiency

Qualification Criteria:

- Language Proficiency: Candidates must demonstrate strong French language skills, typically at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher.

- Express Entry Profile: Must be in the Express Entry pool under one of the three managed programs: FSWP, CEC, or FSTP.

Lastest Draw:

On May 30, 2024, 2,985 candidates with a CRS cut-off of 676 were invited.

Healthcare Occupations

Qualification Criteria:

- Relevant Work Experience: Must have work experience in healthcare occupations such as doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals.

- Express Entry Profile: Must be in the Express Entry pool under FSWP, CEC, or FSTP.

Lastest Draw:

On February 14, 2024, 3,500 candidates with a CRS cut-off of 422 were invited

STEM Occupations (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

Qualification Criteria:

- Relevant Work Experience: Must have work experience in STEM fields, such as software developers, engineers, or scientists.

- Express Entry Profile: Must be in the Express Entry pool under FSWP, CEC, or FSTP.

Latest Draw:

On April 11, 2024, 4,500 candidates with a CRS cut-off of 491 were invited

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Trade Occupations

Qualification Criteria:

- Relevant Work Experience: Must have experience in skilled trade occupations like carpenters, plumbers, or electricians.

- Express Entry Profile: Must be in the Express Entry pool under FSWP, CEC, or FSTP.

Latest Draw:

While specific details for the latest trade occupation draw were not available, trade occupation draws continue to be conducted under similar criteria【13†source】【12†source】.

Transport Occupations

Qualification Criteria:

- Relevant Work Experience: Must have work experience in transport-related jobs such as truck drivers, pilots, or logistics managers.

- Express Entry Profile: Must be in the Express Entry pool under FSWP, CEC, or FSTP.

Latest Draw

On March 13, 2024, 975 candidates with a CRS cut-off of 430 were invited

Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations

Qualification Criteria:

- Relevant Work Experience: Must have work experience in agriculture or agri-food sectors, including farmers and food production workers.

- Express Entry Profile: Must be in the Express Entry pool under FSWP, CEC, or FSTP.

Lastest Draw:

On February 16, 2024, 150 candidates with a CRS cut-off of 437 were invited

General Eligibility

To be eligible for any of these category-based rounds, candidates must:

- Have an active Express Entry profile:

They must be in the pool for one of the three main programs (FSWP, CEC, FSTP).

- Meet the specific criteria of the category:

This includes having relevant work experience, qualifications, or language skills.

- Have a competitive CRS score:

While category-based draws may have different cut-off scores, having a higher CRS score increases the chances of receiving an invitation.

These targeted draws are designed to streamline the immigration process and ensure that candidates with the most relevant skills and qualifications can contribute to Canada's economic needs effectively.

Are you unsure which one is the right fit for you?

Navigating the complexities of Express Entry draws can be challenging. At Go Far Global, we specialize in helping candidates understand and maximize their chances in the Express Entry system. Visit our website at [www.gofarglobal.com](https://www.gofarglobal.com) to learn more and contact us for personalized assistance. Our experienced team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of your immigration journey, ensuring you find the right path to achieving your Canadian dream.

For more detailed and up-to-date information, visit the IRCC official page