IRCC Invites Candidates in First Express Entry PNP Draw of December

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another Express Entry draw, issuing 676 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) exclusively under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). To qualify, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 705.

This draw follows a busy November, during which IRCC held six Express Entry draws and issued 5,507 ITAs for permanent residency (PR). Notably, candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the PNP have consistently received invitations in recent months, a trend likely to persist. The newly established “In-Canada” focus category aims to prioritize applicants in the CEC and regional programs, with potential inclusion from the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

Under Canada’s latest Immigration Levels Plan, this category is set to account for 82,980 PR admissions, representing over 40% of planned admissions for the upcoming year. Additionally, Francophone candidates outside Quebec can expect increased opportunities, as the allocation for French-speaking PR admissions will rise to 29,235 next year. This number is projected to grow further in 2026 and 2027 as part of IRCC’s Francophone immigration strategy.

Latest Draw Details 

• Draw Date: December 2, 2024
• Draw Type: Provincial Nominee Program 
• Number of Invitations: 676
• Minimum CRS Score Required: 705

Express Entry Draws List

Overview of Express Entry

Express Entry is Canada’s flagship system for managing applications for three federal economic immigration programs: 

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

It also accommodates enhanced PNP candidates who receive provincial nominations aligned with the Express Entry system.

Applicants are assessed through the CRS, which assigns points based on factors like age, language skills, education, work experience, and other criteria. A provincial nomination boosts a candidate’s CRS score by 600 points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA in a subsequent draw.

Additional CRS points can be earned by factors such as having a sibling in Canada or combining Canadian and international education or work experience.

IRCC has also introduced category-based draws targeting candidates with specific skills or language proficiencies that align with Canada’s labor market and demographic needs. These draws often feature lower CRS cut-offs than general or program-specific draws, expanding opportunities for candidates to receive ITAs.

The latest draw reaffirms Canada’s commitment to addressing labor market demands and regional priorities through its evolving immigration programs.

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