After an eventful August and a record-breaking July, Canada’s Express Entry system continues to see significant changes in both the composition of the candidate pool and the newcomers receiving Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. This post provides a detailed look at the current state of the Express Entry pool and highlights key trends from the past month.
August 2024: A Look at the Express Entry Draws
August was a busy month for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which held five Express Entry draws, issuing over 10,000 ITAs. These draws reflect IRCC’s focus on issuing more invitations to candidates already residing in Canada, following statements made by Immigration Minister Marc Miller earlier this year.
Here’s a breakdown of the draws held in August:
| Draw Number | Date | Round Type | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-off Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 312 | 27/08/24 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 3,300 | 507 |
| 311 | 26/08/24 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 1,121 | 694 |
| 310 | 15/08/24 | Category-Based Selection (CBS): French Language | 2,000 | 394 |
| 309 | 14/08/24 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 3,200 | 509 |
| 308 | 13/08/24 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 763 | 690 |
Policy Shifts Reflect Canada’s Immigration Strategy
These recent draws align with policy changes that were announced earlier in 2024 by Minister Marc Miller. The Minister emphasized a shift towards holding more “domestic” draws, focusing on candidates already residing in Canada, such as those holding temporary work permits. This strategy aims to manage the housing demand and affordability by reducing the number of new immigrants entering Canada from abroad. Instead, priority is given to candidates who are already integrated into Canada’s labour market and economy, easing the transition from temporary residency to permanent residency (PR).
Additionally, Canada has prioritized increasing the share of Francophone immigrants. IRCC has committed to gradually increasing the percentage of French-speaking newcomers settling outside Quebec—from 6% in 2024 to 8% by 2026. In 2024 alone, seven French-language proficiency draws have been held, issuing over 19,000 ITAs.
Current CRS Score Distribution in the Express Entry Pool
As of August 27, 2024, the Express Entry pool consisted of 205,137 candidates. Below is the breakdown of candidates by their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score:
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| 0-300 | 5,491 |
| 301-350 | 24,396 |
| 351-400 | 52,363 |
| 401-410 | 10,155 |
| 411-420 | 10,493 |
| 421-430 | 9,814 |
| 431-440 | 11,142 |
| 441-450 | 10,259 |
| 451-460 | 10,779 |
| 461-470 | 12,676 |
| 471-480 | 14,722 |
| 481-490 | 12,038 |
| 491-500 | 10,918 |
| 501-600 | 9,764 |
| 601-1200 | 127 |
Analysis of the Express Entry Pool
As of late August 2024, about 50% of candidates in the Express Entry pool had a CRS score of 420 or lower, indicating that half of the candidates would not meet the cut-off for recent draws targeting scores in the 500s.
Category-based draws, such as those focusing on French-language proficiency, have seen lower CRS score requirements, giving candidates with specialized skills or language abilities a competitive advantage. This aligns with IRCC’s strategy of targeting specific labour market needs through specialized draws, providing opportunities for candidates in healthcare, trades, and other in-demand professions to secure permanent residency with lower CRS scores.
What’s Next for Express Entry?
As IRCC continues to hold regular Express Entry draws, the emphasis on category-based selections and provincial nominations is expected to remain a key part of Canada’s immigration strategy. Candidates with work experience in high-demand fields or those residing in Canada on a temporary work permit should stay updated on upcoming draws and tailor their applications accordingly.
Conclusion
Canada’s Express Entry system remains dynamic, with IRCC adapting its strategies to align with the country’s labour market and housing demands. Whether you’re a current candidate in the pool or someone considering applying, it’s essential to stay informed of trends and policy changes that could impact your chances of receiving an ITA.
If you’re interested in learning more or want to assess your eligibility for Express Entry, consider getting a free assessment to better understand your options.
