Canada issues 1,085 invitations in the Provincial Nominee Program Express Entry Draw

On By Littum



Canada has conducted a new Express Entry lottery and issued 1,085 Invitations to Apply (ITA) in the Provincial Nominee Program category.

The December 16 draw achieved a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 727 points, 22 points higher than the Provincial Nominee Program draw conducted on December 2, 2024, where 676 ITAs were issued.

The previous draw was a French language proficiency draw on December 3, 2024.

It issued 800 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 466.

This year, the following draws have been completed:

  • Nine draws throughout the program
  • Eleven draws targeted at French speakers
  • One raffle targeting transport jobs
  • A raffle aimed at agriculture and agri-food businesses
  • Three raffles aimed at health professions
  • One raffle targeting STEM professions
  • 14 PNP draws
  • Ten CEC ties
  • Two raffles aimed at trade professions

Last year Canada conducted the following draws:

  • 19 draws throughout the program
  • Five PNP draws
  • Six raffles targeted at French speakers
  • Three raffles aimed at health professions
  • Two raffles aimed at STEM professions
  • Two raffles aimed at skilled workers
  • Two raffles targeting transport jobs
  • Two raffles targeting agriculture and agri-food
  • One lottery targeting Federal Skilled Worker candidates

IRCC issued 110,266 ITAs in 2023 after inviting 45,115 candidates throughout 2022.

IRCC issued a record 114,431 ITAs in 2021, all to Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program candidates. That beat the previous record of 107,350 set in 2020.

Canada had a record immigration target of 465,000 for 2023, which it plans to surpass by setting the target of 485,000 permanent residence invitations in 2024.

In the latest draw, the tie rule was implemented on 18 September 2024 at 9:39 AM EST. If more than one candidate had the minimum CRS score, only those who submitted their Express Entry profiles before that date and time received invitations.

This was the 52nd round of invitations under Express Entry in 2024 and 330th overall.

Candidates have a 60-day deadline to submit their applications, which will normally be processed within the six-month standard.

What can employers do to recruit foreign workers?

Employers are encouraged to consider securing an LMIA or nomination under Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs) to ensure long-term employee retention.

At immigration.ca, we provide Canadian employers with unmatched immigration legal services and can assist with the recruitment of foreign nationals.

We bring qualified candidates to Canada in the shortest possible time. Employers in a wide range of industries can directly benefit from our unique position as one of Canada’s leading immigration firms in the industry to meet both their recruitment and immigration requirements.

Interested employers wishing to seek our assistance are encouraged to contact us here for further information.

What should candidates do next?

Securing an approved offer of employment is highly recommended as one of the best ways to guarantee an ITA in the next round of invitations.

Find out if you qualify for Canada by completing our free online assessment. We will give you your evaluation results within 1-2 business days.

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