On November 13, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the most recent Express Entry draw, specifically targeting Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. This draw marked the ninth of its kind this year for individuals under the CEC program, demonstrating Canada's continued focus on welcoming skilled workers with prior experience in the country. In this round, a total of 400 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to eligible candidates.

The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this draw was 547 points, an increase of 8 points compared to the last CEC-targeted draw. This rise in the score indicates heightened competition among applicants in the Express Entry pool. To further ensure fairness, the tie-breaking rule was applied to profiles submitted before April 10, 2024, at 03:58:05 UTC, meaning only candidates with a CRS score of 547 or higher who had submitted their profiles by this time were invited.

This draw is part of Canada’s broader strategy to meet its immigration goals and strengthen the labor market with highly skilled workers. As of November 12, 2024, the Express Entry pool contained 217,500 registered profiles, reflecting significant interest from skilled workers worldwide.

So far in 2024, IRCC has conducted 45 Express Entry draws and issued a remarkable total of 91,968 invitations across all categories. These numbers underscore Canada's commitment to achieving its ambitious immigration targets, attracting top talent, and addressing labor market needs through various programs such as the CEC, Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

If you are a skilled professional with Canadian work experience or are considering applying through other Express Entry programs, Global Opportunities can provide the expertise and guidance you need. Let us help you navigate the process and improve your chances of success. Contact us today to take the first step toward achieving your Canadian dream!