On 29 Feb 2024, IRCC held another Canada Express Entry draw, targeting 2,500 French language speakers with a CRS score of 336 points. This French proficiency category-based draw invitation aligns with the nation’s vision of welcoming skilled individuals from various linguistic backgrounds.
New Express Entry Draw Insights – 29 Feb 2024
The draw, held on February 29, witnessed a notable decrease in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement, settling at 336 points. Comparatively, this marked a reduction of 29 points from the preceding French language draw on February 1, 2024, which had a minimum CRS score of 365 points.
The earlier major draw held on February 1 issued 7,000 ITAs, setting the tone for a dynamic year in Canadian immigration. Additionally, an all-program draw on February 28, 2024, saw 1,470 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 534, adding further diversity to the Express Entry pool.
| Description | February 29, 2024 |
| Draw type | Targeted draw for French proficiency |
| Invitations | 2,500 |
| CRS Cutoff | 336 |
| Tie-breaking rule | January 18, 2024, at 09:15:46 UTC |
Received an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?
If you were fortunate to receive an ITA in this draw, you will find a detailed message in your account specifying the program for which you are invited to apply. It will also guide the necessary steps to take. This includes the submission of proof for the information provided in your Express Entry profile, payment of mandatory Canada PR application fees, encompassing processing, Permanent Residence rights, and biometrics.
Express Entry Draws in 2024
This year, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is set to conduct three types of Express Entry draws, each targeting specific criteria:
- General Express Entry Draws: For candidates eligible under one of the three Express Entry streams.
- Program-specific Express Entry Draws: Focused on candidates eligible for a specific stream linked with a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
- Category-based Express Entry Draws: Tailored to meet specific economic goals by establishing a category for selection.
The IRCC, after careful consideration and consultation, finalized six new categories for Express Entry draws in 2024. These include French-language proficiency, healthcare occupations, STEM occupations, trade occupations, transport occupations, and agriculture and agri-food occupations.
Express Entry Draw Factors in Trend
Several factors influence the outcomes of Express Entry draws, shaping the characteristics of the invited candidates:
- Minimum CRS Score – The dynamic CRS score cutoff varies based on program requirements and candidate pool competitiveness. Monitoring trends aid candidates in gauging the draw’s competitiveness.
- Immigration Targets – Annual immigration targets set by IRCC, considering economic, social, and demographic factors, impact the frequency and competitiveness of draws.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – Provincial nominations significantly enhance a candidate’s chances, increasing CRS points and competitiveness.
- Job Offer and LMIA: Candidates with legitimate LMIA-approved jobs in Canada gain extra CRS points, making them more competitive.
- Express Entry Draws Trends: Analyzing past draw trends helps candidates plan and improve their CRS scores for subsequent draws.
For those aspiring to enter the Express Entry pool, staying informed can enhance their chances of receiving an ITA. Keep abreast of IRCC developments, policy changes, and immigration trends to adapt strategies accordingly. The recent Canada express entry draw targeting French language proficiency reflects the nation’s commitment to linguistic diversity.
Whether through general draws, program-specific draws, or category-based draws, Express Entry remains a pathway for skilled individuals to make Canada their permanent home. The next Express Entry draw, scheduled for March 13, 2024, holds the promise of opening new opportunities for skilled workers.
