Express Entry Draw Issues 1,000 ITAs, Focused on Skilled Trades

In the December 19 Express Entry draw, Canada issued 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), specifically targeting skilled trade occupations. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for this draw was set at 425 points. This draw is the fifth in December, following a pause of more than a month without draws.

Canada’s draw history in 2023 reflects a diverse range of invitations across various categories:

• 19 draws encompassed all programs
• Five draws were Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) specific
• Six draws targeted French-speaking candidates
• Three draws focused on healthcare occupations
• Two draws targeted Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations
• Two draws targeted skilled trades
• One draw specifically targeted Federal Skilled Worker candidates
• One draw focused on transport jobs
• One draw emphasized agriculture and agri-food occupations

As of 2023, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 109,196 ITAs, significantly surpassing the 45,115 candidates invited in the entirety of 2022. Continuing the trend from 2021, where a record-breaking 114,431 ITAs were issued to Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program candidates, surpassing the previous record of 107,350 set in 2020.

With an ambitious immigration target of 465,000 for 2023, Canada remains committed to inviting skilled individuals to contribute to its diverse workforce.

The draw incorporated the tie-breaking rule, implemented on November 04, 2023 at 11:16:58 UTC. In cases where more than one candidate had the minimum CRS score, only those who submitted their Express Entry profiles before this specific date and time received invitations.

This draw marked the 40th round of invitations under Express Entry in 2023 and the 276th overall. Candidates now have a 60-day window to submit their applications, with processing expected to occur within the standard six-month timeframe.