Canada’s Express Entry Draw: December 18, 2023, Results Revealed
Breaking Down Canada’s Express Entry Draw: December 18, 2023
On December 18, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 1,325 Invitations to Apply through an Express Entry draw with no specific program announced. As a result, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 542 to receive an invitation.
Express Entry Draw Trends in 2023
Since June 2023, Canada has expanded its Express Entry approach. Specifically, the system now includes both general draws and category-based draws. Moreover, category-based rounds allow IRCC to target specific skills and language abilities. Therefore, Canada can respond more effectively to changing labour market demands.
What Is Express Entry?
Express Entry functions as Canada’s online application management system for permanent residence. In particular, it manages applications under three federal economic immigration programs. These programs include the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. As a result, candidates receive rankings based on CRS scores, and IRCC selects the highest-ranking profiles.
Recent Express Entry Draws in December 2023
Throughout December, IRCC maintained a high draw frequency. Consequently, the department conducted several Express Entry rounds within a short period.
On December 6, 2023, IRCC held a general draw for all programs. In this round, the department issued 4,750 invitations. Meanwhile, the CRS cut-off score reached 561, and the tie-breaking rule applied to profiles submitted on or before November 8, 2023.
On December 7, 2023, IRCC shifted its focus to French-language candidates. As a result, the department issued 1,000 invitations with a CRS cut-off score of 470. Additionally, the tie-breaking rule was set at October 3, 2023.
On December 8, 2023, IRCC returned to a general Express Entry draw. This time, the department issued 5,900 invitations, while the CRS cut-off score dropped to 481.
Overall, the December 18 draw became IRCC’s fourth Express Entry round in just 13 days. Therefore, this activity highlights a strong effort to meet annual immigration targets.
Why Were Express Entry Draws Temporarily Paused?
IRCC did not provide an official explanation for the brief pause in Express Entry draws. However, on November 14, the department confirmed an IT issue that affected candidates uploading final applications after receiving an ITA.
Two days later, on November 16, IRCC announced that it had resolved the issue. Nevertheless, the department did not immediately resume Express Entry draws.
Possible Reasons for Delayed Express Entry Draws
Several factors can influence the timing of Express Entry rounds. For example, IRCC may already be on track to meet immigration targets under the Immigration Levels Plan. Additionally, technical system updates, staffing adjustments, or CRS changes can affect draw schedules.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the December 18, 2023 Express Entry draw demonstrates IRCC’s continued commitment to Canada’s immigration goals. Therefore, candidates should keep their Express Entry profiles updated and actively look for ways to improve their CRS scores.
Get in touch with SPS Canada
Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada), support.amd@spscanada.com
(Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1)905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).
