Canada has conducted a new Express Entry draw and issued 1,085Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the Provincial Nominee Program category.The December 16 draw saw a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 727 points, 22 points higher than the Provincial Nominee Program draw conducted on Dec 2, 2024, which saw 676 ITAs issued.
The previous draw was a French Language Proficiency draw on December 3, 2024.
It issued 800 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 466.
This year, the following draws have been conducted:
Nine all-program draws
Eleven draws targeted at French speakers
One draw targeted at transport jobs
One draw targeted at agriculture and agri-food occupations
Three draws targeted at healthcare occupations
One draw targeted at STEM occupations
14 PNP draws
Ten CEC draws
Two draws targeted at trade occupations
Last year, Canada conducted the following draws:
19 all-program draws
Five PNP draws
Six draws targeted at French speakers
Three draws targeted at healthcare occupations
Two draws targeted at STEM occupations
Two draws targeted at skilled trades
Two draws targeted at transport jobs
Two draws targeted at agriculture and agri-food occupations
One draw targeted at Federal Skilled Worker candidates
IRCC issued 110,266 ITAs in 2023, after inviting 45,115 candidates in the whole of 2022.
IRCC issued a record 114,431 ITAs in 2021, all to Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program candidates. It beat the previous record of 107,350 set in 2020.
Canada had a record immigration target of 465,000 for 2023, which it plans to surpass by setting the target of 485,000 permanent residency invites in 2024.
The latest draw saw the tie-breaking rule implemented on September 18, 2024, at 9:39 AM EST. If more than one candidate had the minimum CRS score, only those who submitted their Express Entry profiles before this date and time received invitations.
Candidates have a 60-day window to submit their applications, which will usually be processed within the six-month standard.
What Can Employers Do To Recruit Foreign Workers?
Employers are encouraged to consider securing an LMIA or nomination under provincial nomination programs (PNPs) to ensure long-term retention of employees.
At immigration.ca we provide Canadian employers with unparalleled immigration legal services and can help with the recruitment of foreign nationals.
We bring qualified candidates to Canada in the shortest time possible. Employers in a wide range of industries can directly benefit from our unique position as one of Canada’s leading immigration firms in the industry to meet both their recruitment and immigration requirements.
Interested employers wishing to seek our assistance are invited to contact us here for further information.
What Should Candidates Do Next?
Securing an approved offer of employment is highly recommended as one of the best pathways to guaranteeing an ITA in the next round of invitations.
Find out whether you qualify for Canada by completing our free online evaluation. We will provide you with your evaluation results within 1-2 business days.
