On July 8, 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 3,200 invitations to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system. This draw targeted candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 420 and at least level 7 proficiency in French.
Details of the Draw July 8, 2024
· Category: French language proficiency
· Number of invitations issued: 3,200
· Rank required to be invited to apply: 3,200 or above
· Date and time of round: July 8, 2024, at 14:01:33 UTC
· CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 420
· Tie-breaking rule: May 30, 2024, at 03:37:43 UTC
Summary of Express Entry Draws 2024
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is IRCC’s application management system for three key economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Launched in 2015, it aims to identify immigration candidates most likely to integrate successfully into Canada’s workforce and economy.
Each program has its own eligibility criteria, but all candidates are evaluated using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS assigns scores based on factors such as age, language ability, education, work experience, and occupation. Higher scores increase the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in an Express Entry draw.
What is Category-Based Selection?
Introduced in 2023, category-based selection draws help IRCC target candidates who can address urgent workforce needs. The six categories, chosen after extensive consultations with stakeholders and governments, include:
- Healthcare occupations
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- Trades occupations (e.g., carpenters, plumbers, contractors)
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- French-language proficiency
These categories will be in place until 2025, potentially changing to meet labor market demands. Candidates, except those in the French-proficiency category, need at least six months of relevant work experience under an eligible NOC code. French-speaking candidates must score at least seven in all areas of the French language test (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens).
