As we step into December 2024, interesting trends are emerging within Canada's Express Entry system, a vital pathway for immigrants aiming to live and work in Canada. The first draw of the month has already taken place, echoing the draw patterns from the preceding months, particularly favoring Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.

Review of November's Express Entry Draws

In a consistent approach, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted six Express Entry draws throughout November, issuing between 5,507 and 5,961 invitations to apply (ITAs). Notably, these draws placed a strong emphasis on PNP candidates and those from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), as well as category-based selections.

One of the standout events in November was the first healthcare-focused draw since July, where IRCC issued a whopping 3,000 ITAs specifically to candidates in healthcare occupations. This accounted for the largest share of invitations during that month, with category-based selections contributing significantly, comprising 69% of all ITAs issued.

In terms of CEC and PNP draws, each issued around 800 ITAs, which was relatively low compared to larger category-based draws, leading to higher Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores in these categories as competition for the lower number of invitations intensified.

Here's a detailed summary of the November draws, showcasing their sizes and corresponding CRS cut-off scores:

Current Profile of the Express Entry Pool

As of December 1, the Express Entry pool consists of 218,490 candidates, distributed across various CRS score ranges. The composition highlights the competition within different score brackets, which is crucial for prospective candidates to understand.

This distribution provides a crucial insight into the competitiveness of the pool. With a vast number of candidates vying for limited ITAs, understanding these figures can guide applicants in assessing their chances and improving their profiles.

Understanding the Ranks: A Comparative Analysis

The ranking of scores within the Express Entry pool can be insightful for applicants as they evaluate their own standing. Here’s how the scores compare, using percentile rankings:

As December 2024 unfolds, those looking to immigrate to Canada must keep abreast of these trends to optimize their applications and prepare for forthcoming draws. Stay tuned for more updates, as the IRCC continues to refine its approach to immigration in Canada!