Canada Issues Invitations in First CEC Express Entry Draw of November 2024
November 13, 2024 Amritpal Kaur
Canada continues to advance its immigration goals as Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently conducted its first Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw of November 2024. On November 13, 400 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 547 required for candidates to receive an invitation. This marks the highest CRS score for CEC candidates in 2024, signaling increased competition in the pool.
This draw is a significant development in Canada's ongoing efforts to meet its immigration targets and highlights the importance of Express Entry in the country's immigration strategy.
The November 13 CEC Draw: What You Need to Know
Number of ITAs Issued: 400
Minimum CRS Score: 547
Draw Type: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
This most recent CEC draw issued 400 ITAs, with the minimum CRS score required being 547. This marks the highest CRS score for any CEC draw so far this year, underscoring the growing demand for skilled workers with Canadian work experience.
What is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?
The Canadian Experience Class is one of the key economic immigration programs under the Express Entry system, specifically designed for individuals who have already gained skilled work experience in Canada and wish to transition to permanent residency. To be eligible for the CEC, candidates must meet certain criteria:
At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years.
Language proficiency at a minimum of CLB 5 for NOC B jobs, and CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs.
Applicants must also plan to live outside of Quebec.
CEC candidates are ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which considers factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other human capital attributes. The highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency during regular Express Entry draws.
Why Did the CRS Score Reach 547 in This Draw?
The CRS score of 547 in the November 13 draw represents a notable increase compared to previous CEC draws this year. This high score reflects a combination of factors, including the increased competition among candidates and the evolving demands of Canada’s labor market. The country is seeking to fill gaps in critical sectors such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades, which may explain why only candidates with higher CRS scores were invited in this round.
The rising CRS scores may also be influenced by Canada’s immigration priorities, with the government emphasizing the need to attract highly skilled workers to support the economy, especially in high-demand sectors.
Canada’s 2025 Immigration Levels Plan: What’s Ahead?
This CEC draw comes on the heels of Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2025, which aims to admit 124,680 Express Entry candidates next year across various economic immigration streams. Among these, the In-Canada Focus will see 82,980 permanent resident admissions for candidates already living in Canada. This includes individuals in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams.
This focus is expected to impact temporary residents already in Canada, accounting for about 40% of Canada’s overall immigration target in 2025.
In addition, the Federal Economic Priorities target of 41,700 permanent resident admissions will prioritize candidates who can address urgent labor shortages in fields like healthcare, trades, and French language proficiency outside of Quebec.
Summary of Recent Express Entry Draws in 2024
Here’s a look at some of the most recent Express Entry draws for 2024, highlighting the evolving trends in CRS scores and draw types:
November 13: 400 ITAs issued for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) with a minimum CRS score of 547.
November 12: 733 ITAs issued for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) with a minimum CRS score of 812.
October 23: 1,800 ITAs issued for candidates in Trade Occupations, with a minimum CRS score of 433.
October 22: 400 ITAs issued for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), with a minimum CRS score of 539.
October 21: 648 ITAs issued for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) with a minimum CRS score of 791.
October 10: 1,000 ITAs issued for candidates with French language proficiency, with a minimum CRS score of 444.
October 9: 500 ITAs issued for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) with a minimum CRS score of 539.
October 7: 1,613 ITAs issued for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) with a minimum CRS score of 743.
As these draws demonstrate, CRS scores for CEC candidates have varied throughout the year, with Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws often requiring higher scores, and French language proficiency draws offering lower thresholds.
What’s Next for Express Entry Candidates?
For those who received an ITA in the November 13 CEC draw, the next step is to submit a complete application for permanent residency. This includes providing documents such as:
Proof of work experience.
Language proficiency test results.
Educational credentials (if applicable).
Medical exams and background checks.
If you weren’t selected in this round, don’t be discouraged—there are still plenty of opportunities to improve your profile. Focus on:
Improving your language scores, particularly in French, which can significantly boost your CRS score.
Gaining additional Canadian work experience.
Exploring Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which can offer alternative pathways to secure an ITA.
With Canada’s immigration goals for 2025 in mind, there will likely be more opportunities in future Express Entry draws, particularly for those with experience in high-demand sectors.
A Strong Path Forward for Skilled Workers
The November 13 CEC draw is a clear indication of Canada’s continued commitment to attracting skilled workers who have already made their mark in the Canadian labor market. With a CRS score of 547, the competition is strong, but the opportunity for those with the right qualifications remains significant.
Canada’s updated Immigration Levels Plan for 2025 signals even more opportunities for skilled workers, especially those with Canadian work experience or those capable of addressing specific labor shortages in critical sectors.
If you're in the Express Entry pool or considering applying, staying informed about upcoming draws, improving your CRS score, and exploring all available immigration streams can help you maximize your chances of receiving an ITA and starting a new chapter in Canada.
Do you have any questions or need help with your Express Entry profile? Feel free to contact us directly—we’re here to guide you through the process!