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Breaking: First Express Entry draw for Canada since October 2023

In the most recent Express Entry draw, candidates have received invitations from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). In an all-program draw, the department sent out 4,750 invitations to apply (ITAs). To be considered, candidates had to receive a minimum of 561 points on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

first express entry draw in dec 2023

It hasn't been drawn since October 26. The IRCC tweeted on November 14 that some applicants were having trouble utilizing the Express Entry Profile Builder and couldn't finish their applications.

The department followed up with a tweet on November 16 stating that the problem had been fixed. It's unclear why there was such a long pause between draws.


In the most recent draw, which took place on October 26 and involved a category-based selection process for healthcare occupations, 3,600 candidates were given ITAs. A CRS score of 431 was the minimum required of candidates.


The same week, there were two more draws. In a category-based selection draw held on October 25, the IRCC invited 300 candidates who could speak French. For consideration, a minimum CRS score of 486 was required.


On October 24, the last draw was held. In a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-only draw, 1,548 candidates received invitations from the IRCC. Applicants had to have a minimum score of 776. The minimum CRS for this kind of draw is higher because Express Entry candidates who are nominated through the PNP automatically receive an extra 600 CRS points.


Express Entry draw summary since June 2023:

Express Entry draw summary since June 2023

What is selection based on categories?

The IRCC declared in May of this year that it would start extending invitations for Express Entry rounds with a category-based selection process.


These draws specifically target candidates for Express Entry who satisfy requirements for a particular attribute, such as proficiency in French or work experience in one of the following five occupations:

  • Healthcare;

  • STEM professions;

  • Trades;

  • Transport;

  • Agriculture and agri-food

There is a scarcity of skilled workers in all of these professions. The economy of Canada as well as other important industries like the healthcare system and the supply chain are being impacted by the shortages.


Since up to nine million Canadians are anticipated to retire by 2030, increasing the number of skilled workers admitted is crucial to eradicating these shortages, according to Immigration Minister Marc Miller of Canada. By the end of 2025, 114,000 Federal High Skilled (Express Entry) immigrants will have been admitted to Canada annually, according to the current Immigration Levels Plan for 2023–2025. By November 1st, at the latest, a revised Levels Plan is anticipated.


Despite these lofty goals, the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration recently noted that fewer Express Entry applications have been made since Minister Miller assumed office.


Christiane Fox, the deputy minister of immigration, reports that an IT malfunction during the introduction of the new categories compelled the department to lower the number of draws; going forward, the department will make up the difference.


Additionally, the Deputy Minister announced that by December of this year, a category-based draw for skilled trades professionals will be held.

canada immigration 2023

Canada has invited candidates through category-based selection draws 12 times since the first draw in June, totaling over 11,000 ITAs. Every applicant was already a part of the Express Entry pool.






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