Express Entry 2024: Year in Review 🌟

Canada’s Evolving Immigration Priorities 📋
This past year, Canada's Express Entry system focused on occupational draws in key sectors like healthcare, STEM, and trades. While Invitations to Apply (ITA) volumes declined by 12% in 2024 compared to 2023, the strategic shift towards occupational draws aims to address critical regional labour shortages across the country.

Key Trends and Insights 📊

• Targeted Draws: More frequent occupation-specific draws, including healthcare and French-speakers, highlighted Canada’s economic priorities.

• CRS Scores: Scores varied, with lower scores for French-speakers and competitive thresholds for other categories.

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): PNP draws saw increased ITA volumes, reflecting provinces’ active role in addressing local labor needs.

Looking Ahead to 2025 🔮
In 2025, Canada will focus on retaining talent through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and targeted occupation draws. With reduced immigration targets of 20% in 2025, competition will increase among candidates in the express entry pool, emphasizing the importance of strong profiles and strategic preparation.

Preparing for Success 🌟
Candidates should align their profiles with in-demand sectors, improve CRS scores, and leverage provincial programs for the best chances under Express Entry. Working with experienced professionals will become more important in 2025, than previously.

TRENDING NEWS

• IRCC has updated its immigration application fees effective December 1, 2024, with increases ranging from $5 to $50 for temporary permits, work permits, and criminal rehabilitation. Major categories like citizenship, permanent residence, and family sponsorship fees remain unchanged, offering financial predictability for applicants. Read more

• The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) faces criticism for not aligning nominations with labour market needs, despite welcoming 45% of Canada’s new permanent residents between 2019 and 2023. Key issues include regional disparities and low representation in high-demand roles like healthcare. Strategic reforms are needed to enhance effectiveness. Read more

• Vancouver ranks 7th globally for quality of life in 2024, leading North American cities in Mercer’s Quality of Living ranking. Toronto (13th), Ottawa and Montreal (tied 20th), and Calgary (25th) also excel, highlighting Canada’s appeal for immigrants with top-tier healthcare, safety, sustainability, and cultural diversity. Read more

• Improving your CRS score for Express Entry can increase your chances of permanent residency in Canada. Strategies include boosting language skills, gaining Canadian work or education experience, securing a provincial nomination, and updating your profile with additional qualifications. Staying informed about program updates is also crucial for success. Read more

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FEATURED PODCAST

In today's episode of My Great Canada, Melissa speaks with Colin R. Singer, Founder of immigration.ca.

Colin is a licensed lawyer and has more than 35 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate Canada’s immigration system. Through his work with immigration.ca, Colin has helped thousands of people interested in settling in Canada.

Today, we’re going to talk about why so many Americans are looking to Canada for new possibilities. Colin will review who is eligible, what programs to consider and strategies to improve your chances.