During the past week, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted four rounds of invitations for permanent residence applications through the Express Entry system.

On December 18, 2023, IRCC initiated a general round of invitations for permanent residence applications. Candidates across all occupations and Express Entry programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Provincial Nominee Program, and Canadian Experience Class, were invited. This draw extended invitations to 1,325 candidates with a minimum score of 542 points.

On December 19, 2023, IRCC held a category-based selection round for candidates with work experience in trade occupations. This included electricians, plumbers, carpenters, machine fitters, and welders. The draw invited 1,000 candidates with a minimum score requirement of 425 points.

On December 20, 2023, IRCC conducted a category-based selection round targeting candidates with work experience in transport occupations, such as transport truck drivers, deck officers, transportation managers, and air and railway traffic controllers. This draw invited 670 candidates with a minimum score requirement of 435 points.

On December 21, 2023, IRCC carried out a category-based selection round focusing on candidates with experience in agriculture and agri-food occupations. Selected occupations included butchers, agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors, and contractors and supervisors in landscaping, grounds maintenance, and horticulture services. This draw invited 400 candidates with a minimum score requirement of 386 points.

An announcement from IRCC regarding potential changes to the targeted occupations under category-based selection for 2024 is anticipated soon.