The third Express Entry draw of the month has seen invitations sent out to candidates by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 1,980 invitations to apply (ITAs) were sent out by the department in a general draw. A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 524 was required of candidates.
The two Express Entry drawings on March 12 and 13 are followed by today's draw. ITAs were given to 2,850 candidates with a minimum CRS of 525 in the general draw on March 12. Up until now, it was the lowest overall draw score of the year.
Compared to the previous general draw on February 28 and the inaugural general draw on January 10, 2024, on January 10, 546, this score reflected a decline of nine and twenty-one points, respectively. In a general draw, the IRCC takes into account candidates from all programs and categories.
A category-based selection draw for Express Entry applicants in transport occupations was held on March 13. To be considered, candidates had to have a minimum CRS of 430. This particular draw was the first since December 20, 2023.
In transport occupations, the IRCC has invited 2,645 candidates since the implementation of category-based selection draws.
An overview of the 2024 Express Entry draw results
Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
General | 1,980 | 524 | |
Transport occupations | 975 | 430 | |
General | 2,850 | 525 | |
French language proficiency | 2,500 | 336 | |
General | 1,470 | 534 | |
Agriculture and agri-food occupations | 150 | 437 | |
Healthcare occupations | 3,500 | 422 | |
General | 1,490 | 535 | |
French language proficiency | 7,000 | 365 | |
General | 730 | 541 | |
General | 1,040 | 543 | |
General | 1,510 | 546 |
What is selection based on categories?
In May 2023, the IRCC implemented category-based selection draws to find Express Entry applicants with the desired qualities and skills and to assign ITAs.
Six categories were established by the department and will be in use until 2024. They are as follows:
Healthcare occupations
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
Trades occupations, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
Transport occupations
Agriculture and agri-food occupations
Strong French proficiency
The categories take into account both the IRCC's duty to promote French language outside of Quebec and many of Canada's severe labour shortages. Since the creation of the categories, candidates who speak French have gotten the most ITAs.