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In An Express Entry System Category-based draws may seem like a game of chance, but there are strategic ways to increase your chances of coming out on top. By analyzing past winners and understanding the selection criteria, you can gain valuable insights into how to position yourself for success.

Play to Your Strengths

One effective strategy is to focus on entering categories where you have a competitive advantage. By showcasing your expertise and experience in a specific field, you can set yourself apart from other participants and increase your chances of being selected.

Diversify Your Entries

While it’s important to play to your strengths, it’s also beneficial to diversify your entries across multiple categories. This not only increases your overall odds of winning but also allows you to explore new opportunities and expand your skill set.

Stay Up to Date

To maximise your chances in category-based draws, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in your chosen categories. By staying ahead of the curve, you can tailor your entries to align with current industry standards and preferences.

Network and Collaborate

Building connections within the community of participants can also work in your favor. By networking with other entrants and potential collaborators, you can gain valuable insights and support that may improve your chances of success.

In recent weeks, several outlets have indicated that many immigration candidates are expressing concern over high CRS cut-off scores. Thus far in 2024, there has not been a general Express Entry draw with a minimum/cut-off CRS score below 524.

CRS scores for category-based selection draws in 2024

IRCC has conducted eight category-based Express Entry draws to date this year.

Compared to IRCC’s nine general and program-specific draws this year, the department’s CRS cut-off for category-based draws has been at least 33 points lower in every 2024 draw.

Specifically, IRCC’s eight category-based draws so far this year breakdown as follows:

Date	Month	Categories	CRS Score
1	February	French language proficiency draw	365
14	February	Healthcare draw	422
16	February	Agriculture and Agri-Food draw	437
29	February	French language proficiency draw	336
13	March	Transport draw	430
26	March	French language proficiency draw	338
11	April	Transport draw	491
24	April	French language proficiency draw	410

CRS Category-based selection draws in 2024

Accordingly, Express Entry candidates who are concerned about obtaining a CRS score that is high enough for IRCC’s general draws may find value in pursuing an ITA through IRCC’s category-based Express Entry draws, as this allows eligible candidates to benefit from a generally lower CRS cut-off requirement.

Am I eligible for category-based selection?

To be eligible for an ITA through a category-based Express Entry draw, candidates must meet a unique set of criteria depending on the category they fall under.

More: Visit this dedicated webpage for more details on all six categories, and to see if you may be eligible for IRCC’s category-based draws, depending on your NOC code and other criteria.

Specifically, in addition to meeting all the requirements included in the instructions for a specific round of invitations, applicants must meet additional criteria depending on the applicable category.

French language proficiency category

Have a minimum score of 7 in all four language abilities (speaking, reading, writing and listening) on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC)

More: In April, IRCC announced that French language proficiency will account for the majority (30%) of ITAs issued through category-based draws this year.

Occupational categories

In 2024, IRCC has chosen to focus on immigration candidates with eligible work experience in the following five industries:

Healthcare
STEM
Trades
Transport
Agriculture and Agri-Food

All occupational categories eligible for category-based selection require candidates to have at least six months of eligible full-time, continuous (or equivalent part-time) work experience in the last three years. This work experience may have been obtained in Canada or abroad.

Note: Although the list of eligible National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes varies based on the occupational category, qualifying work experience must have been obtained in a single occupation under one of the qualifying NOCs in a given category.

HIGHLIGHTS

The latest draw of Express Entry draw Targeted French Proficiency
The draw was conducted on July 12, 2023.
The Minimum CRS score was 375 this draw.
IRCC has invited 800 candidates

Express Entry draw, 3,800 candidates were invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada through the French Language Skilled Worker Program. This draw is a testament to Canada’s commitment to supporting French-speaking immigrants and promoting linguistic diversity. pic.twitter.com/LTeVKLSJ1m
— LebizCanada (@LebizCanada) July 13, 2023

IRCC Conducts Targeted Express Entry Draw for French-Speaking Candidates with CLB 7 or Higher in French

On July 12, 2023, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sent out 3,800 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a targeted Express Entry draw for candidates with French language proficiency. This draw was a part of the government’s ongoing efforts to increase Francophone immigration to Canada and promote the use of French in the country.

To be eligible for this draw, candidates were required to meet the minimum language proficiency level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 or higher in French, along with a minimum of CLB 6 in English. Additionally, candidates were required to meet the eligibility criteria for one of the three federal economic immigration programs managed by the Express Entry system: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class.

Canada’s Strategy for Francophone Immigration

The targeted draw for French-speaking candidates is a part of Canada’s overall strategy to increase Francophone immigration, which is a key priority for the government. This is because Francophone immigration helps to strengthen Canada’s linguistic duality and promotes economic development in Francophone communities across the country.

In addition to the language requirements, candidates must also demonstrate that they have the necessary skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the Canadian economy. The Express Entry system ranks candidates based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which takes into account factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.

The 3,800 candidates who received ITAs in this draw will now have the opportunity to apply for Canadian permanent residency. This is a significant milestone in the immigration process, as permanent residency provides candidates with the ability to live, work, and study in Canada on a permanent basis.

Overall, this targeted French proficiency Express Entry draw is a positive step toward promoting linguistic diversity and increasing economic opportunities for French-speaking immigrants in Canada. It also highlights the government’s commitment to promoting linguistic duality and supporting Francophone communities across the country.

express entry next draw

Top Strategies for Maximizing Your Chances in Category-Based Draws in Express Entry System