The 2024 Express Entry system reflected Canada’s shifting immigration goals, emphasizing targeted draws to address economic and regional needs.
Although the total number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) decreased compared to 2023, the focus on sectors such as healthcare, STEM, and agriculture underscored Canada’s strategy to combat labor shortages.
For candidates, the year highlighted the importance of tailoring profiles to align with Canada’s priority sectors, ensuring better chances amidst stricter immigration targets.
Overview of Express Entry
Express Entry is Canada’s primary immigration pathway for permanent residency under three key programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Applicants are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assesses factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills.
In 2024, the system evolved to reflect Canada’s updated immigration plans, including reduced quotas for 2025. By examining the trends from 2023 and 2024, it becomes clear how Express Entry has adapted to address economic demands, labor shortages, and demographic challenges while managing reduced immigration targets.
Total ITAs Issued in 2024
The 12% drop in ITAs in 2024 reflects Canada’s recalibration of its immigration approach. While 2023 emphasized broad all-program draws with high volumes, 2024 leaned into targeted draws for specific sectors such as healthcare and Francophone immigration.
This strategy aims to address labor gaps more efficiently while managing reduced immigration levels.
Lowest CRS Scores by Year
Both years prioritized French-speaking and agricultural candidates with lower CRS cutoffs. However, 2024 introduced additional French-speaker draws, signaling Canada’s commitment to boosting Francophone populations outside Quebec.
All-Program Draws: A Comparative View
2024
- Number of Draws: 9
- Total ITAs: 24,365
- Average CRS: 471
2023
- Number of Draws: 17
- Total ITAs: 62,900
- Average CRS: 487
The reduction in all-program draws highlights Canada’s shift toward sector-focused immigration. The lower average CRS in 2024 indicates efforts to make the process accessible to mid-ranking candidates while prioritizing strategic goals.
CEC Draws Return in 2024
2024
- Number of Draws: 9
- Total ITAs: 20,200
- Average CRS: 493
2023
- No CEC-specific draws.
After a hiatus, CEC draws returned in 2024 to prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience. With an average CRS of 493, the competition was intense, reflecting limited ITA availability and a focus on individuals already integrated into the Canadian workforce.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Dominance
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2024
- Number of Draws: 15
- Total ITAs: 22,447
- Average CRS: 702
2023
- Number of Draws: 8
- Total ITAs: 5,450
- Average CRS: 694
PNP draws surged in frequency and volume in 2024, with provincial governments playing a key role in addressing regional workforce needs.
The higher CRS average underscores heightened competition for these sought-after nominations, which guarantee an additional 600 CRS points.
Sector-Specific Draw Trends
French-Speakers Draws
2024
- Number of Draws: 11
- Total ITAs: 16,900
- Average CRS: 426
2023
- Number of Draws: 8
- Total ITAs: 17,200
- Average CRS: 448
French-speakers draws were more frequent in 2024, with lower CRS scores to attract a broader pool of bilingual applicants. This aligns with Canada’s goal of increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
Healthcare Draws
2024
- Number of Draws: 2
- Total ITAs: 6,500
- Average CRS: 453
2023
- Number of Draws: 3
- Total ITAs: 2,500
- Average CRS: 467
Healthcare draws expanded to address critical shortages, especially post-pandemic. Lower CRS thresholds in 2024 signaled Canada’s effort to attract diverse talent in this field.
Key Developments in 2024
- Targeted Draws: Focus on healthcare, STEM, and trades to address labor shortages.
- Increased PNP Activity: Provinces used the system to fill regional gaps effectively.
- French-Speakers Priority: Continued emphasis on Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
- Reduced ITAs: Fewer all-program draws reflect a strategic shift.
- Competitive CRS Scores: Stricter thresholds highlighted the importance of strong profiles.
Advice for Applicants in 2024
- Target Key Sectors: Tailor your profile for priority occupations like healthcare, STEM, and skilled trades.
- Boost CRS Scores: Enhance language skills, gain additional qualifications, or secure Canadian work experience.
- Use PNP Opportunities: Research and apply to provinces aligned with your skills.
- Leverage French Skills: Highlight bilingualism to qualify for lower CRS French-speakers draws.
- Stay Updated: Monitor policy changes and adapt strategies to align with shifting priorities.
- Explore Alternatives: Consider other immigration pathways, including education or direct provincial programs.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Canada’s immigration strategy for 2025 will continue prioritizing Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and targeted draws for high-demand occupations. With lower immigration targets, the focus will be on retaining talent already in Canada and addressing critical labor shortages.
CEC Emphasis
- Target for 2025: 82,980 immigrants through CEC.
- Why: CEC candidates already have Canadian work experience and cultural integration, enabling immediate economic contributions.
STEM Occupations Draws
2024
- Number of Draws: 1
- Total ITAs: 4,500
- Average CRS: 491
2023
- Number of Draws: 2
- Total ITAs: 6,400
- Average CRS: 484
STEM draws continued to be a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration strategy, targeting professionals in technology, engineering, and related fields to bolster the country’s innovation-driven economy.
Although the number of draws decreased in 2024, this likely reflects a shift in focus toward addressing pressing labor shortages in other areas, such as healthcare.
Despite this reduced emphasis, the strong demand for STEM talent ensures these draws remain a priority in Canada’s long-term economic plan.
Trade Occupations Draws
2024
- Number of Draws: 2
- Total ITAs: 3,600
- Average CRS: 435
2023
- Number of Draws: 2
- Total ITAs: 2,500
- Average CRS: 406
Trade draws expanded significantly in 2024, with an increase in ITAs and CRS thresholds.
This highlights Canada’s focus on addressing gaps in critical infrastructure and skilled trades, including construction and manufacturing.
The higher CRS scores reflect intensified competition, underscoring the growing importance of these occupations in Canada’s evolving labor market.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Draws
2024
- Number of Draws: 1
- Total ITAs: 150
- Average CRS: 437
2023
- Number of Draws: 2
- Total ITAs: 1,000
- Average CRS: 370
Agriculture-focused draws saw a significant reduction in ITA volumes in 2024, reflecting a highly targeted approach. This narrower focus aims to prioritize only the most critical needs in the agriculture and agri-food sector.
However, the higher CRS thresholds point to increased competition among applicants, emphasizing the importance of strong profiles for those seeking opportunities in this sector.
Preparing for 2025
🇨🇦 Canada immigration levels are to reduce from 500,000 to 395,000 in 2025 and many are wondering the impact on #ExpressEntry draws & provincial nominee programs
🇨🇦 Check out impact of new targets on Express Entry draws, category-based invitations & PNPs👇https://t.co/E7SbsOai1K
— Immigration News Canada 🇨🇦 (@CanadaImmigra20) October 28, 2024
- Maximize Canadian work experience through temporary permits or job offers.
- Align profiles with key occupational demands.
- Enhance French proficiency to qualify for Francophone immigration streams.
- Regularly update profiles to remain competitive in the pool.
Canada’s evolving Express Entry system underscores the importance of adaptability and strategic planning for candidates. A well-prepared application tailored to Canada’s priorities can ensure success in the country’s changing immigration landscape.
