Canada’s Express Entry Draw #326 Issued 400 ITAs to CEC Candidates

 

Written by Dilpreet Kaur | Last updated 22-Nov-2024

 

The Express Entry system is still a crucial route for qualified professionals looking to settle in Canada as the nation strives to improve its immigration laws. In 2025, there will be plenty of intriguing prospects, especially for applicants in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), thanks to recent advancements.

 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 400 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) only for CEC candidates on November 19, 2024, as part of Express Entry draw #326. For this draw, a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 539 was needed.

 

Express Entry Draw #326

 

November 19, 2024

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Invitations Issued 400

Minimum CRS Score 539

 

Following this draw, 174 individuals with a significantly higher CRS score of 816 were invited to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on November 18. By November 19, there were 218,167 applicants in the Express Entry pool, a significant rise from the 209,892 on October 7. This increase underscores the competitiveness of the current environment and demonstrates increased interest in moving to Canada in 2025.

 

 

Breakdown of Candidates by CRS Score

 

As of November 19, 2024, the express entry pool included:

16,495 candidates scoring between 501-600

64,425 candidates scoring between 451-500

 

Even though there are a lot of applicants for ITAs, this distribution implies that those with lesser scores can still have chances as draws go on.

 

Difference between the CEC and PNP draws

 

 

Important distinctions between the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws have been brought to light by the country’s most recent Express Entry lotteries. For potential immigrants hoping to increase their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency, it is essential to comprehend these distinctions. Based on current statistics and trends, these are the primary differences.

 

1. Number of Invitations Issued

 

CEC Draws: 400 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 539 were distributed in the most recent CEC draw, which took place on November 19, 2024. When compared to previous drawings, when hundreds of ITAs were issued, this represents a huge decrease.

 

PNP Draws: By contrast, the October 7, 2024, PNP draw had a significantly higher CRS cut-off of 743 and welcomed 1,613 candidates. This suggests that there is a greater need for candidates who have received provincial nominations.

 

 

2. CRS Score Requirements

 

There are also notable differences in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores needed for each program:

 

Increased CRS Scores for PNPs: When a PNP candidate is nominated provincially, they automatically receive an additional 600 points. As a result, PNP drawings frequently have higher CRS cut-offs than CEC draws.

 

 

Lower CRS Scores for CECs: Candidates for CEC positions usually have lower CRS cut-offs. For instance, PNP candidates faced a cut-off of 743 in their most recent draw, whereas the cut-off for the most recent CEC draw was 539.

 

3. Focus and Intent

 

The Canadian Experience Class, or CEC, is intended for people who have already obtained work experience in Canada. Its goal is to convert short-term inhabitants into long-term ones.

 

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is designed to address the unique labour market demands of each province. Every province target locally in-demand job using its own criteria and streams. This enables provinces to choose applicants who have a higher chance of settling and succeeding in their areas.

 

What to Expect for 2025

 

In 2025, the IRCC has big intentions for immigration via the Express Entry system. The most recent Immigration Levels Plan states:

 

Next year, Canada hopes to accept 124,680 Express Entry applicants.

 

A new category called the In-Canada Focus category will receive more than 82,000 admissions. Candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) are included in this category, which mainly targets CEC candidates.

 

For CEC applicants, these modifications indicate a promising future. The emphasis on converting temporary residents who are already in Canada to permanent residents offers those who are already making contributions to the economy a clear path forward.

 

In 2025, Canada’s immigration laws are expected to undergo a substantial change. There are encouraging prospects for talented professionals looking for permanent residency with the expanded targets for applicants in express entry draw #326 and an emphasis on those who are already living in Canada.

 

 

Canada’s image as a friendly country for immigrants will be further enhanced by the recent reforms intended to improve the integrity of the immigration system. Prospective immigrants might set themselves up for success in their quest to establish a life in Canada by keeping up with these trends and making the necessary preparations. Follow Kingston Immigration Consultant for more information and updates on immigration news!