In 2023, Canadian immigration experienced a significant influx of new policies, measures, and changes, marking it as a landmark year in this field. Despite the myriad developments, the enduring importance of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores persisted in the immigration journeys of Express Entry candidates. Notably, last year’s Express Entry draws witnessed higher-than-average CRS scores, reaching as high as 791 in certain cases. This trend has left many speculating whether the upcoming year will follow a similar trajectory.
What can we expect in 2024?
The unpredictability of CRS scores for 2024 stems from various factors, making it challenging to forecast accurately. Firstly, CRS scores are heavily influenced by the composition of the Express Entry pool throughout the year. Changes in the distribution of CRS scores within the pool can affect both the minimum CRS scores required for a draw and the draw size.
Moreover, the introduction of category-based draws in 2023 adds another layer of complexity to predicting CRS scores. These draws are tailored to specific Express Entry categories aligned with Canada’s labor market and demographic requirements. These categories include:
- Healthcare occupations;
- STEM occupations;
- Trade occupations;
- Transport occupations;
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations; and
- French language proficiency.
Healthcare occupations
In 2023, healthcare occupation draws targeted candidates in the Express Entry pool with experience in various healthcare-related professions, such as nursing, doctors, physicians, and other related job titles. Over the course of the year, there were three draws specifically for healthcare occupations, resulting in the issuance of 5,600 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). Among these draws, the recorded Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores ranged from a high of 476 to a low of 431.
STEM occupations
In 2023, draws targeting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) occupations selected candidates from the Express Entry pool with experience in various occupations within these four interconnected fields. This included roles such as civil engineers, software developers, mathematicians, web designers, and more. Throughout the year, there were two draws specifically for STEM occupations, resulting in the issuance of 6,400 Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
Trade occupations
In 2023, Express Entry draws targeting Trade occupations selected candidates with experience in various professions such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, machine fitters, and more. Specifically, there were two draws focused on Trade occupations during the year, resulting in the issuance of 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for eligible candidates.
Transport occupations
Transport occupation draws considered candidates with experience in professions like transport truck drivers, air traffic controllers, aircraft assemblers, managers in transportation, and more. In 2023 two transport draws yielded 1,670 ITAs to candidates.
Agriculture and Agri-food occupations
In 2023, Express Entry draws focusing on Agriculture and Agri-food occupations targeted candidates with professional experience in roles such as butchers, agriculture service contractors, farm supervisors, and related positions. These draws resulted in the issuance of 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates.
French language proficiency
In 2023, Express Entry draws focusing on Agriculture and Agri-food occupations targeted candidates with professional experience in roles such as butchers, agriculture service contractors, farm supervisors, and related positions. These draws resulted in the issuance of 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates.
