Canadian Express Entry 2024 What You Need to Know About the New Changes

Canadian Express Entry system has long been a popular route for skilled workers seeking permanent residence. In 2024, several policy changes reshaped the system, affecting thousands of candidates. These adjustments reflect Canada’s evolving priorities in immigration, labor market demands, and demographic needs. Let’s explore these updates in detail and their implications for future applicants.

What Is the Express Entry System?

Express Entry is an online immigration system used to manage applications for three federal programs:

     • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
     • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
     • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Additionally, it includes Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns points based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.

Key Changes to Express Entry in 2024

➤ Shift in Draw Priorities

The focus moved from general draws to category-specific selections, emphasizing occupations such as healthcare, trades, and STEM. This allowed Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to target specific skills needed in Canada’s labor market.

➤ Introduction of Category-Based Selection

For the first time, category-based draws were introduced as a central feature. These targeted candidates with particular skills or language abilities, offering lower CRS cut-off scores compared to general draws.

Express Entry Draw Trends in 2024

IRCC conducted 52 draws in 2024, issuing 98,803 invitations to apply (ITAs). The draws varied significantly in CRS cut-off scores, depending on the program or category:

Programs and Categories Affected

➤ Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

PNP draws saw a significant increase, reflecting a strong focus on regional immigration needs.

➤ Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

CEC draws became more prominent, targeting candidates with Canadian work experience.

➤ French Language Proficiency

Candidates with high French proficiency benefited from lower CRS cut-offs, aligning with Canada’s goal of supporting bilingualism.

Significant Updates to CRS Points

➤ Removal of CRS Points for Job Offers

As announced in December 2024, CRS points for job offers will be temporarily removed in 2025. Previously, candidates could earn 50–200 points for a valid job offer. This change is expected to reduce CRS scores across the board.

Comparison Between 2023 and 2024

The increase in draws and category-based selections highlighted IRCC’s shift toward targeted immigration.

New Immigration Levels Plan

The 2025 Immigration Levels Plan includes higher federal targets, divided into two subcategories:

➤ In-Canada Focus

Allocates 66% of federal admissions to candidates already in Canada, primarily through CEC and enhanced PNPs.

➤ Federal Economic Priorities

Targets candidates with specific skills in healthcare, trades, and French language proficiency.

What to Expect in 2025

In 2025, category-based draws will continue to dominate, with healthcare, trades, and French-speaking candidates receiving priority. CRS scores may drop due to the removal of job offer points, but competition will remain high due to an increasing pool of candidates.

Challenges for Candidates

Navigating the new system requires strategic planning, especially for candidates without Canadian experience or French proficiency. Staying updated on trends and policies is essential.

Conclusion

The changes to Canada’s Express Entry system in 2024 reflect the country’s focus on targeted immigration to address labor market needs and demographic goals. As we look ahead to 2025, understanding these shifts will be crucial for candidates aiming to secure Canadian permanent residence.