Category invitations dominate Express Entry

Recent data reveals a remarkable shift in Canadian immigration, as category-based invitations are poised to dominate the Express Entry landscape in 2024, with less than 22% expected for general draw invitations and more category-based invit ations. Foreign nationals who want to come to Canada with immediate permanent residence can start assessing their profiles to align with these categories, so we invite you to read this article to the end because you may be entering the next round of Express Entry.

Express Entry has long been the gateway for skilled immigrants seeking to make Canada their new home. Now, more category-based invitations have profound implications for prospective immigrants, as this alters the dynamics of the selection process and emphasizes the importance of understanding the criteria for invitation. 

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How does the fast-track entry for Canada work?

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It is very important to understand that Express Entry serves as a system that manages Canada's applications for various federal economic immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. From the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), candidates are evaluated based on several factors such as age, education, language proficiency and work experience. Typically, candidates were selected primarily on the basis of their CRS score, but the introduction in 2023 of category-based draws resized the selection process.

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What has been the migratory impact of category-based draws?

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In 2023, the introduction of category-based draws marked a significant change from the previous selection criteria. Candidates became eligible for selection not only according to their CRS score, but also according to their eligibility through specific categories, such as proficiency in French, STEM occupations, health occupations, and others. 

This type of lottery meant that candidates eligible for category-based selection could receive invitations with fewer points compared to those who relied solely on their CRS score. The change aims to diversify the pool of candidates and address specific needs of the Canadian labor market. 

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What are the immigration implications of the category invitations this 2024?

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An internal IRCC memo describes the percentages assigned to various categories, with French proficiency, STEM occupations and health occupations receiving the largest share of invitations. It is notable that only a fraction of the invitations, less than 22%, are scheduled for general draws. This indicates a clear preference for category-based selection, reflecting Canada's strategic focus on targeted immigration.

Below are the categories and their percentages in 2024.

• Proficiency in French: 30%.
• Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) occupations: 25%.
• Health occupations: 15%.
• Commercial occupations: 5%.
• Transportation occupations: 3%.
• Agricultural and agri-food occupations: 0.5%.

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What can candidates do for a successful selection process?

Prospective immigrants need to be well informed so that they can understand that, with a significant portion of invitations allocated to specific categories, now more than ever they need to assess their eligibility and plan accordingly. 

At Immiland, we recommend that you do some self-knowledge work by asking questions such as: how well do I speak French, have I been working in my profession for more than a year, does Canada need more nurses, or more lawyers? Surely you already have a track record and it is only a matter of improving your profile to be competitive in the selection process. Those who qualify under one or more categories are more likely to receive invitations, even with a lower CRS score. Consequently, candidates should focus on improving their eligibility across specific categories to maximize their chances of success. 

In this official table on invitations, you can analyze data from recent rounds of Express Entry invitations and general draws, including the date, type of round, number of invitations issued, and the CRS score of the lowest-ranked candidate invited. This is a good way to find out how IRCC is handling periodic invitations in 2024.

Immiland's recommendations for success in the upcoming raffles

Take advantage of this new opportunity offered by the Canadian economic immigration system, remember that there is a lack of skilled labor and Hispanic Americans and Latinos are one of the best workforces in the world.

• Many foreigners have already achieved it and now celebrate their permanent resident status with their family in one of the safest and best quality countries, but they had to sit down to create their plan from scratch and with informed knowledge.
• Improve your educational and work profile. Pursue higher studies in your profession, complement your career by following a logical thread. 
• Also, try to train daily in your job and gain experience, remember that you must have at least one year of work experience in your area.
• Level up your language, if you already speak English or French, avoid settling for what you already know, always aim for the highest score. Locate your position in the BLC table and study on your own or take an online course to improve your level. Our language school, Planeta Immiland, teaches you to speak the language with a Canadian immigration focus.
• Seek guidance only from expert Canadian immigration consultants and verify that they are regulated by the ICAC, remember that there are many scams around immigration procedures. Official sources of information, as well as social media platforms and networks can guide you to truly certified consultants.

If you have any questions or would like a regulated Immiland consultant to take your case or help you improve your profile and create a success plan for Canada, please contact us. 

Our immigration services cover all types of visas, job recruitment for Canada, document translation, we prepare you with French and English to apply for Express Entry, and much more. 

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Success is your application!

With love,

Immiland