IRCC Issues 500 Express Entry ITAs For the Canadian Experience Class with a minimum CRS score of 539

In the latest round of Express Entry draws, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The draw, which took place on October 9, 2024, required candidates to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 539.

This draw targets individuals with Canadian work experience, a key component of the CEC, one of the federal immigration programs managed through the Express Entry system. The CEC is designed to attract skilled workers who have already adapted to Canadian society through work experience and contributions to the economy.

What stands out in this round is the notably small number of invitations issued. With just 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), this marks the smallest CEC-focused draw of the year. In comparison, earlier draws in 2024 consistently issued several thousand ITAs, with one in July issuing as many as 6,300.

This decrease in the number of ITAs has resulted in a much higher Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-off of 539, a significant jump compared to previous CEC draws. Smaller draws like this one tend to lead to higher CRS cut-offs as fewer candidates are selected from the pool.

Breakdown of CEC Draws in 2024 to Date:

This draw indicates a shift in IRCC’s approach, potentially focusing on more targeted draws in the short term. The reduced number of invitations suggests that applicants with higher CRS scores are currently at an advantage. Future applicants should consider this trend when evaluating their Express Entry profile and seeking ways to improve their CRS scores, such as through language tests, educational credentials, or gaining additional work experience.

For more information on Express Entry and upcoming draws, subscribe to our newsletter NOW!