First Express Entry Draw of 2024: 1,510 Invitations Issued for PR

In the first Express Entry Draw of 2024, conducted on January 10, a total of 1,510 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency were issued in an all-program or general round.  Here are the key details:

• Invitation Criteria:
  • Invitations were extended to candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 546 or above.
  • The CRS cut-off score increased by 4 points compared to the draw on December 18, 2023.

• Draw Details:
  • Number of invitations issued: 1,510
  • Rank required to be invited to apply: 1,510 or above
  • Date and time of round: January 10, 2024, at 16:59:13 UTC
  • CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 546
  • Tie-breaking rule: December 31, 2023, at 18:23:22 UTC

Express Entry System Overview:

• The Express Entry system encompasses profiles under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and Federal Skilled Trades (FSTP).
• Provincial nominee profiles in these categories are also considered.
• CRS Score Projection: Based on the CRS score distribution as of January 10, 2024, the next general Express Entry draw cut-off is expected to range around 535–540 if a similar number of invitations are issued by IRCC.

Express Entry Processing Times (as of January 9, 2024):

• Canadian Experience Class: 5 months
• Federal Skilled Worker Program: 5 months
• Federal Skilled Trades Program: Not enough data
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry: 8 months

About the Express Entry System:

• The Express Entry system, with a processing time of 6 months, is the fastest route to Canadian Permanent Residency (PR).
• It uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rate applicant profiles, with the top-scoring individuals receiving Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
• The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) all utilize Express Entry as their application management system.
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates in the Express Entry pool are eligible for general draws and category-based invitations.