Canada’s Express Entry system utilizes various types of invitation rounds to select candidates for immigration. Understanding these rounds can help candidates gauge their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency. Here’s an in-depth look at the different types of invitation rounds conducted throughout the year.
1. General Rounds of Invitations
General rounds are the most common type of invitation rounds in the Express Entry system. In these rounds, the top-ranking candidates from the entire pool are invited to apply for permanent residency. Candidates must be eligible for one of the three main Express Entry-managed programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class. This broad selection approach allows for a diverse range of candidates to be considered based on their CRS scores.
2. Program-Specific Rounds of Invitations
Unlike general rounds, program-specific rounds target candidates eligible for a specific Express Entry program. For instance, a program-specific round may be conducted exclusively for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Only candidates who have received a provincial nomination (and thus are eligible under the PNP) will be invited during these rounds. This focused approach helps to streamline candidates into programs that align with their qualifications and provincial labor market needs.
3. Category-Based Rounds of Invitations
Category-based rounds are designed to meet specific economic objectives set by the Minister of Immigration. In these rounds, candidates who fit a particular category or who can contribute to certain economic goals are invited. For example, if there’s a demand in a particular sector like tech or healthcare, a category-based round might focus on candidates with experience in these fields. This method helps to address immediate and specific labor market gaps in the Canadian economy.
Instructions for Rounds of Invitations
Each round of invitations follows a specific set of instructions, which are crucial for candidates to understand:
Posting and Accessibility: The instructions for each round are posted online at the time of the round. Candidates can access this information to learn more about the specifics of the upcoming round.
The instructions typically include:
Date and Time of the Round: Knowing when the round will take place.
Number of ITAs: The total number of Invitations to Apply that will be issued in that round.
Round Type: Specifies whether it is a general, program-specific, or category-based round.
Included Programs: Details which immigration programs are included, particularly relevant for program-specific rounds.
Category Eligibility: For category-based rounds, this includes eligibility criteria specific to the category targeted in the round.
How to Use This Information
Candidates in the Express Entry pool should regularly check their CRS scores against the types of rounds and criteria set in the invitation instructions. By understanding the focus of upcoming rounds, whether general, program-specific, or category-based, candidates can better assess their likelihood of receiving an ITA. This insight can also guide candidates on whether they need to improve their CRS score, seek a provincial nomination, or adjust their profile to align with specific rounds or categories that might be targeted in the future.
Staying informed and prepared allows candidates to strategically position themselves within the Express Entry pool, enhancing their chances of successful immigration to Canada.
CRS score distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool as of April 23, 2024
CRS score range
Number of candidates
601-1200
1,057
501-600
10,625
451-500
60,933
491-500
7,520
481-490
11,495
471-480
16,928
461-470
13,558
451-460
11,432
401-450
52,475
441-450
10,646
431-440
10,645
421-430
9,645
411-420
10,740
401-410
10,799
351-400
56,383
301-350
27,740
0-300
5,484
Total
214,697
The numbers in this table reflect the total number of people in the pool overall, a few days before an invitation round. The score distribution may change as people submit new profiles and other profiles expire.
The table numbers not in bold are a detailed breakdown of the bold number immediately above.
