A glimmer of hope emerged with the arrival of 2024 for qualified workers hoping to immigrate to Canada via the Express Entry program. On January 10, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the first Express Entry draw of the year and distributed 1,510 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency. This development demonstrates Canada’s unwavering commitment to luring talent and meeting its need for skilled workers.
Crucial Information About the Draw:
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) are the three Express Entry-managed programs that were included in this draw’s inclusiveness.
Higher CRS Score:
Compared to the December 18, 2023, all-program draw, the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this draw was raised to 546, an increase of four points. This highlights the importance of having a strong CRS score for prospective applications and highlights the rising pool of high-scoring individuals.
Diminished Count of Invitations:
Although encouraging for the beneficiaries, this draw’s ITA total was rather less than previous ones, which often saw invitation counts of over 2,000. The IRCC may have adjusted its intake targets or given precedence to processing applications from earlier draws, which could explain this adjustment.
How can you apply for the draw?
The rising CRS score and the decrease in invitations indicate that prospective immigrants must adopt a strategic approach. The following are important conclusions to remember:
Focus on the CRS score:
Maximizing your CRS score is crucial. Improve your language test results, get a degree, get employment experience in Canada, and look at possibilities for spouse or common-law partner sponsorship.
Stay Up-to-Date:
Stay informed about CRS score fluctuations, targeted drawings, and program adjustments, as well as the latest Express Entry news and trends, so you can modify your plan as necessary.
Additional information about the draw:
1. There were 1,510 invitations sent out.
2. To be invited to apply, you must rank at least 1,510
3. Round start date and time: January 10, 2024, at 16:59:13 UTC
4. The invited candidate with the lowest CRS score was 546.
5. December 31, 2023, at 18:23:22 UTC is the tie-breaking time.
Expectations for the 2024 Express Entry Draw:
The next general Express Entry draw cutoff is anticipated to be between 535 and 540 based on the CRS score distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool as of January 10, 2024, assuming the IRCC sends out the same number of invites.
Express Entry Processing Durations:
As of January 9, the IRCC processing times for each of the three Express Entry categories went up:
1. Experience in Canada Class: four weeks
2. Federal Program for Skilled Workers: five months
3. Program for Federal Skilled Trades: Not Enough Information
4. Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 8 months
Knowing How to Use the Express Entry System:
With a processing time of six months following the submission of documentation in compliance with the ITA. This method is the quickest path to Canadian Permanent Residency (PR). It uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), a point-based method, to grade application profiles. The top-scoring candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), which allows them to submit an application for permanent residency.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) all use Express Entry as their application management system. All “no program specified” or general drawings, as well as any other category-based rounds of invitations if they match the requirements are already open to candidates for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in the Express Entry pool.
Seek Expert Advice At Angad Immigration:
For personalized guidance in navigating the complexities of the Express Entry process, seek advice from professionals at Angad Immigration. Their expertise can assist you in optimizing your profile, addressing areas that need attention, and developing a tailored strategy for success.
