Throughout the year 2023, IRCC organized a total of 42 Express Entry draws, with 19 being all-program draws (now referred to as general draws). Additionally, there were 17 category-based selection draws held between late June and December. Furthermore, five draws exclusively considered Express Entry candidates nominated through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and one draw was dedicated to Federal Skilled Worker candidates.

While it remains challenging to predict the frequency and types of Express Entry draws in 2024, IRCC has shifted away from a predictable schedule. Nevertheless, the Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026 outlines the department’s goal of admitting up to 110,770 new permanent residents to Canada in 2024. To achieve this, IRCC will need to issue a sufficient number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs), keeping in line with the 2025 admissions target of 117,500. This is particularly crucial, considering it takes IRCC up to six months to process an Express Entry application.

In summary, the latest Express Entry draw on January 23rd saw 1,040 candidates receive invitations with a minimum CRS score of 543. This follows the January 10th draw, which invited 1,510 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 546.