Canada Express Entry: 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITA) Issued in Latest Draw
Express Entry Draw
In the latest Express Entry draw held by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on 26th September 2023, 3,000 candidates have been issued Invitations to Apply (ITA). This all-program draw maintained a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement of 504.
This draw comes on the heels of several rounds earlier in September. On September 19, IRCC invited 3,200 candidates in an all-program draw, while September 20 saw the first-ever category-based draw for Express Entry candidates in the transportation occupation, with 1,000 candidates receiving ITAs.
Details of the draw:
- Total ITAs issued: 3,000
- Type of draw: No Program Specified
- Date and time of round: September 26, 2023 at 13:38:55 UTC
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 504
- Tie-breaking rule: September 11, 2023 at 20:24:18 UTC
If more than one candidate has the lowest score, the cut-off is based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles.
Express Entry Draw Summary since June 2023
Since June 2023, IRCC has been making strides in its Express Entry draw approach. Here’s a summary of the recent changes:
| Date | Program | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 26 | All-program | 3,000 | 504 |
| Sept 20 | Transport occupations | 1,000 | 435 |
| Sept 19 | All-program | 3,200 | 531 |
| Aug 15 | All-program | 4,300 | 496 |
| Aug 3 | Trade occupations | 1,500 | 388 |
| Aug 2 | French language proficiency | 800 | 435 |
| Aug 1 | All-program | 2,000 | 517 |
| July 12 | French language proficiency | 3,800 | 375 |
| July 11 | All-program | 800 | 505 |
| July 7 | French language proficiency | 2,300 | 439 |
| July 6 | Healthcare occupations | 1500 | 463 |
| July 5 | STEM occupations | 500 | 486 |
| July 4 | All-program | 700 | 511 |
| June 28 | Healthcare occupations | 500 | 476 |
| June 27 | All-program | 4,300 | 486 |
| June 8 | All-program | 4,800 | 486 |
Category-Based Selection Explained
In May of the same year, IRCC announced a shift in its draw strategy. Instead of relying solely on candidates’ overall CRS scores, some draws would now prioritize specific attributes. This change followed an amendment to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) in 2022, granting the immigration minister authority to select Express Entry candidates who align with Canada’s goals of strengthening its economy and promoting the French language outside of Quebec.
As a result, six new categories were introduced, catering to in-demand occupations and individuals with strong French language proficiency. These categories include:
- Healthcare
- STEM professions (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
- Trades
- Transport
- Agriculture and agri-food
If more than one candidate has the lowest score, the cut-off is based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles.
Since the inaugural category-based draw for healthcare workers on June 28, IRCC has conducted draws in each of these categories, with the exception of Agriculture and agri-food. Notably, the highest number of category-based ITAs, amounting to 6,900, has been issued to candidates with strong French-language abilities.
Candidates aiming to immigrate to Canada through category-based selection must be part of the Express Entry pool and meet a minimum CRS score.
These evolving strategies within the Express Entry system continue to offer exciting opportunities for prospective immigrants to Canada, aligning with the country’s economic and language goals. Stay tuned for more updates on Express Entry draws and immigration pathways.
List of Provincial Nominee Program
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
- Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP)
- Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
- Quebec Skilled Workers Program (QSWP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
