When Is The Next Express Entry Draw?

Express Entry Draw Prediction

Date: December 2nd, 2024

Type of Draw: Provincial Nominee Draw

CRS Prediction: 810+

• Learn more about the latest Express Entry draw on November 20.

If you want to learn more about the latest Express Entry draw, check out our extremely popular Express Entry Draw Results webpage.

Predicted Express Entry Draw Schedule For 2024

Given the volatility we’ve seen in Express Entry Draws, it is hard to predict the exact schedule for 2024. But we do estimate the following draws, based on past trends: 

Provincial Nominee Program: Predicted Draws in 2024

• 2 December 2024
• 16 December

Canadian Experience Class: Predicted Draw Dates in 2024

We estimate we may see Canadian Experience Class draws on the following dates:

• 3 December
• 17 December

Category-Based Express Entry Draws: Predicted Dates in 2024

Finally, we would expect to see category-based draws on the following dates:

• 4-6 November (French).

How To Predict The Next Express Entry Draw 

It’s not possible to know exactly when the next Express Entry draw will happen. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has complete discretion regarding Express Entry draws. They could, in theory, complete just one draw every year or complete tiny draws every day. 

However, IRCC tends to try to complete draws on a regular schedule. It does this to increase confidence in the Express Entry system, and to allow them to manage application volumes internally. So, generally speaking, there is a strain on internal resources any time that the draw schedule moves away from the bi-weekly schedule. As a result, IRCC will likely conduct a draw every two weeks. Since May, IRCC has returned to holding draws every 2 weeks. We hope this consistency continues. 

When it comes to predicting the type of draw, this is harder. We can look to historical data to guess the types of draws to come. For instance, recently, IRCC has held more PNP and CEC draws. That, along with the communication coming from IRCC on the topic of transitioning more temporary residents to permanent residents, brings us to the conclusion that IRCC will continue PNP and CEC draws. IRCC has also committed to welcoming more French-speaking immigrants to Canada. With this target, we can conclude that a good share of category-based draws will go to French speakers.

What Draws Do We Expect for the Rest of 2024?

IRCC has held more Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws in the last couple of months. We expect this trend to continue for the rest of 2024 and into 2025.

IRCC will also continue to hold category-based draws but these may be fewer in number compared to PNP and CEC draws. We expect French-language proficiency draws to dominate category-based draws in 2024.

What Factors Influence When The Next Express Entry Draw Will Happen?

The schedule of Express Entry draws is influenced by a range of factors. Understanding these can help you guess when the next draw might happen.

Government Policies and Immigration Targets

The Canadian government’s immigration policies and annual targets play a significant role in determining the frequency, size, and type of Express Entry draws. 

Economic Needs and Labor Market Demands 

Canada’s economic needs and labor market demands are also critical factors. The government may adjust the draw schedule based on the current economic climate and the demand for specific skills in the labor market. 

Historical Trends and Administrative Considerations

Looking at historical trends can provide insights into the timing of draws. Typically, draws are held approximately every two weeks. However, this can vary due to administrative considerations, such as processing backlogs or policy changes. Monitoring the patterns over the past months or years can help predict future draws, though these are always subject to change.

Staying informed about immigration in Canada can help you prepare for your Express Entry journey. A free Moving2Canada account can help. You’ll receive free access to our newsletters, immigration checklists, and a host of other settlement resources — all tailored to your immigration journey. Sign up here.