On November 19, 2024, IRCC conducted its latest Express Entry draw today, issuing 400 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program. The draw targeted candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 539, reflecting a competitive cut-off for this category.
Key Details of the Draw
- Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Number of Invitations Issued: 400
- Minimum CRS Score: 539
- Date and Time of Round: November 19, 2024, at 14:38:41 UTC
- Tie-Breaking Rule: Candidates who had a CRS score of 539 and submitted their profiles on or before July 08, 2024, at 01:41:37 UTC were invited.
Analysis of the November 19 Draw
This draw shows that Canada is still focused on making their current temporary residents permanent by focusing on Canadian Experience Class candidates, the IRCC highlights the value of selecting people with Canadian work experience, as it shows they are likely to succeed in the job market.
Comparison with Previous CEC Draws
A review of recent CEC-only draws reveals some notable trends:
- Number of ITAs: The 400 ITAs in this draw is slightly lower than earlier CEC rounds this year, which generally ranged between 800 and 1000 invitations. This is mainly because, at the end of the year, IRCC is keeping its pool balanced with its annual quota.
- CRS Cut-Off Scores: The CRS cut-off of 539 represents an increase compared to previous CEC-specific draws. For instance:
- A CEC draw in September 2024 invited 500 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 529.
- A similar draw in August 2024 had a cut-off of 525.
This upward trend in CRS scores may be attributed to a growing pool of highly skilled candidates or reduced draw sizes, creating greater competition.
- Tie-Breaking Rule: The tie-breaking date of July 08, 2024, suggests that candidates who submitted their profiles well in advance were prioritized, underscoring the importance of early profile submission to maximize selection chances.
Implications for CEC Candidates
This draw shows how competitive the Express Entry system is, especially for the CEC category. If you’re in the pool, it is advised to improve your CRS scores by boosting your language test results, gaining more work experience, or getting a provincial nomination, which adds 600 points.
Conclusion
Today’s draw shows Canada’s focus on using the skills and experience of people already part of Canadian society. With a higher CRS cut-off and fewer ITAs issued, candidates need to actively improve their profiles to stay competitive in the Express Entry system.
