IRCC welcomes 1,980 applicants for the most recent Express Entry pool.

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.

Book Your Eligibility Assessment NOW!

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
March 25	General	1,980	524
March 13	Transport occupations	975	430
March 12	General	2,850	525
February 29	French language proficiency	2,500	336
February 28	General	1,470	534
February 16	Agriculture and agri-food occupations	150	437
February 14	Healthcare occupations	3,500	422
February 13	General	1,490	535
February 1	French language proficiency	7,000	365
January 31	General	730	541
January 23	General	1,040	543
January 10	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.

Book Your Eligibility Assessment NOW!