Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has sent out invitations to candidates in the second Canada Express Entry draw this week. They issued 4,500 invitations for applicants in STEM jobs.
These candidates needed a minimum score of 491 in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to qualify. It’s the first time this year they’ve had a draw specifically for STEM candidates.
Today’s draw comes after a general draw yesterday, April 10, where IRCC invited 1,280 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 549, the highest score needed for any draw in 2024. In the first general draw of the year on January 10, applicants needed at least a score of 546. Since then, the scores for general draws have been decreasing.
The most recent general draw on March 25 invited 1,980 candidates with a CRS score of 524. General draws consider candidates from all three Express Entry programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Unlike draws based on specific categories, the CRS score is the primary factor determining a candidate’s chances of receiving an invitation.
Canada Express Entry draw results in 2024: A Summary
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
| April 11 | STEM occupations | 4,500 | 491 |
| April 10 | General | 1,280 | 549 |
| March 26 | French language proficiency | 1,500 | 388 |
| 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 category-based selection?
In May 2023, IRCC introduced category-based selection draws to better pinpoint Express Entry candidates with sought-after skills or human capital qualities. They established six categories in 2023, which will remain unchanged throughout 2024.
These categories include healthcare roles, STEM fields, trades jobs like carpentry and plumbing, transportation roles, agriculture and food-related positions, and those with strong French language skills. To be eligible for consideration in these draws, candidates must already have an application in the Express Entry pool.
Express Entry: What is it?
Express Entry Canada draw manages applications for three key Canadian immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). These programs assess applicants based on factors like their work history, job type, language skills, age, and education.
Each factor earns a score, which adds up to a final Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Those with the highest scores have the best chance of getting an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
Express Entry lives up to its name by processing PR applications faster than other immigration programs. IRCC aims to process 80% of Express Entry applications within six months, though more complex cases might take longer.
Key Points
- Canada’s IRCC recently conducted an Express Entry draw specifically for STEM occupations, inviting 4,500 candidates.
- Candidates for STEM jobs needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 491 to qualify.
- This draw marks the first time in 2024 that IRCC has targeted STEM candidates.
- The CRS score is crucial in determining a candidate’s eligibility for an invitation.
- There has been a general trend of decreasing CRS score requirements in 2024.
- Canada Express Entry draw is not limited to specific categories but consider candidates from various programs.
- Category-based selection draws were introduced in 2023 to pinpoint candidates with specific skills or qualities.
- Express Entry manages applications for three main Canadian immigration programs, assessing candidates based on various factors to determine eligibility.
FAQs
How do you qualify for STEM draw?
To be eligible for the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Category, you need to have worked full-time for at least six months (or an equal amount part-time) within the last three years in any of the occupations listed.
Who is eligible for STEM draw?
Before applying, you must fulfill the work experience criteria for at least one of the programs. If you have one year of work experience in a qualifying STEM occupation and meet the other requirements of the CEC or the FSW program.
What is the CRS score for STEM draw?
The department sent out 4,500 invitations to apply (ITAs) in a draw focused on STEM occupations, where candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 491 to qualify.