Canada Express Entry: 1,085 invitations issued in provincial draw, CRS 727

Canada Express Entry draw required candidates to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 727

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 1,085 invitations to apply (ITAs) in its latest Express Entry draw, specifically targeting candidates from the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).  

 

The draw, held earlier this week, required candidates to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 727.  

 

This marks the third Express Entry draw of December. The first, on December 2, was also PNP-specific, while the second, on 3 December, targeted candidates with French language proficiency.

 

Express Entry draw results from December, 2024  

December 16: Provincial Nominee Program – 1,085 ITAs, CRS 727

December 3: French language proficiency – 800 ITAs, CRS 466

December 2: Provincial Nominee Program – 676 ITAs, CRS 705

 

Last month’s Express Entry trends  

 

In November, IRCC held six Express Entry draws, inviting a total of 5,507 candidates to apply for permanent residence.  

 

The pattern of draws in December suggests IRCC is alternating between PNP-focused, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and French language proficiency-based invitations.  

 

Looking ahead to 2025  

 

IRCC's recent Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027 indicates a growing focus on candidates already in Canada. The “In-Canada” category is expected to prioritise applicants from the CEC and regional programmes, alongside candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).  

 

The category has been allocated 82,980 permanent residence admissions for 2025, representing over 40% of the planned total.  

 

How does Express Entry work?

 

Express Entry is Canada’s online application management system for economic immigration programmes, including:  

 

 — Canadian Experience Class (CEC)  

 — Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)  

 — Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)  

 

Candidates are ranked using the CRS, which evaluates factors like age, language proficiency, education, work experience, and adaptability.  

 

Additional points can be awarded for:  

 

 — Having a sibling in Canada  

 — Applying with a spouse or partner  

 — Canadian education and work experience combined with foreign qualifications  

 

Provincial nominations through improved PNP streams add 600 CRS points, substantially boosting a candidate’s chances of receiving an ITA.