In the latest all-program Express Entry draw issued invitations to apply. A total of 3,725 candidates were invited in an all-program draw. Candidates needed at least a 500 on the CRS in order to be considered.
The three draws that preceded this most recent one occurred during the week of September 25.
3,000 applicants received invitations in the first draw, which took place on September 26, with a minimum CRS score of 504 in an all-program lottery.
A category-based draw with an emphasis on French-speaking proficiency was held on September 27 and 500 applicants were invited with a minimum CRS of 472.
On September 28, 600 applicants were invited to the final draw of that week, which required a CRS of at least 354. This was the first time that applicants for jobs in the agriculture and agri-food industries were drawn according to categories.
It is noteworthy that the IRCC was able to invite applicants from each of the six new categories that qualify for category-based selection thanks to this draw.
Overview of Express Entry draw results from June 2023
- Sept 28 – Category-based draw for Agriculture and agri-food occupations, inviting 600 candidates with a minimum CRS of 354.
- Sept 27 – Category-based draw for French language proficiency, inviting 500 candidates with a minimum CRS of 472.
- Sept 26 – All-program draw, inviting 3,000 candidates with a minimum CRS of 504.
- Sept 20 – All-program draw for Transport occupations, inviting 1,000 candidates with a minimum CRS of 435.
- Sept 19 – All-program draw, inviting 3,200 candidates with a minimum CRS of 531.
- Aug 15 – All-program draw, inviting 4,300 candidates with a minimum CRS of 496.
- Aug 3 – Category-based draw for Trade occupations, inviting 1,500 candidates with a minimum CRS of 388.
- Aug 2 – Category-based draw for French language proficiency, inviting 800 candidates with a minimum CRS of 435.
- Aug 1 – All-program draw, inviting 2,000 candidates with a minimum CRS of 517.
- July 12 – Category-based draw for French language proficiency, inviting 3,800 candidates with a minimum CRS of 375.
- July 11 – All-program draw, inviting 800 candidates with a minimum CRS of 505.
- July 7 – Category-based draw for French language proficiency, inviting 2,300 candidates with a minimum CRS of 439.
- July 6 – Category-based draw for Healthcare occupations, inviting 1,500 candidates with a minimum CRS of 463.
- July 5 – Category-based draw for STEM occupations, inviting 500 candidates with a minimum CRS of 486.
- July 4 – All-program draw, inviting 700 candidates with a minimum CRS of 511.
- June 28 – Category-based draw for Healthcare occupations, inviting 500 candidates with a minimum CRS of 476.
- June 27 – All-program draw, inviting 4,300 candidates with a minimum CRS of 486.
- June 8 – All-program draw, inviting 4,800 candidates with a minimum CRS of 486.
IRCC publishes annual Express Entry report for 2022
On September 26, the IRCC published its yearly Express Entry report, which provided details on the program’s effectiveness in 2022. A total of 24 Express Entry draws were held throughout the year, producing 46,539 ITAs. In comparison to the prior year, when 114,431 ITAs were issued, this represented a 59% decline. The temporary suspension of Express Entry draws for Federal High Skilled programs from September 2021 to July 2022 is mostly to blame for the reduction.
In 2022, the largest share of ITAs within the Express Entry system were given to candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (19,258) and the Canadian Experience Class (18,895). Candidates under the Federal Skilled Worker Program received the remaining 8,386 ITAs. Remarkably, the Federal Skilled Trades Program did not see any invitations extended to Express Entry candidates throughout the entire year.
These data demonstrate the major influence of program and policy modifications on Express Entry draws and the choice of applicants for immigration to Canada.
These data demonstrate the major influence of program and policy modifications on Express Entry draws and the choice of applicants for immigration to Canada.
The majority of ITAs were sent to applicants holding job titles such as software engineers, designers, information systems specialists, computer systems developers, and programmers. Additionally, ITAs were frequently picked from among people with cooking and supervising responsibilities in the food service sector.
Residents of Canada received more than 30,000 of the total ITAs distributed. The bulk of candidates having addresses in either Nigeria (1,730) or India (3,787) received the remaining ITAs.
An overview of the category-based Express Entry draw
The Express Entry system has introduced a category-specific draw, extending invitations to candidates falling within one of six distinct categories.
IRCC conducts numerous additional Express Entry lotteries in addition to these category-specific draws. This includes contests that select contestants based on their eligibility for particular programs, such as the Provincial Nominee Program. Additionally, IRCC conducts draws in which they select individuals to receive ITAs for permanent residency. It is based on their ability to attain the CRS score thresholds.
Based on their job experience, IRCC divided Express Entry applicants into six groups, which included people with the following specialties:
- Healthcare
- Professions related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
- Trades encompassing occupations like carpentry, plumbing, and contracting
- Transportation-related roles
- Agricultural and agri-food occupations
- Exceptional proficiency in the French language
Candidates seeking an invitation through a category-based draw must meet all the requirements established by IRCC for that specific draw. In these selection rounds, the IRCC assesses candidates in the Express Entry pool who satisfy the requirements of their individual categories and sends invitations to those who score the highest to apply for Canadian permanent residency.
On June 28, IRCC started sending out its first category-based invites, initially concentrating on applicants with experience in the healthcare industry. They then held draws for those with advanced French language abilities, craftsmen, and experts in STEM sectors.
The IRCC has emphasized the importance of these recently created categories in reducing serious job shortages in Canada’s high-demand industries and enhancing the country’s economic prospects. After careful consideration, IRCC, in collaboration with provincial governments, business associations, and various stakeholders, chose these specific categories.
About Express Entry
Express Entry is the Canadian government’s online system that efficiently manages and streamlines the immigration process for individuals seeking permanent residency in Canada. It encompasses three main federal economic immigration programs:
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW): Tailored for skilled professionals with the requisite qualifications, work experience, and language proficiency to contribute to Canada’s labor market.
Federal Skilled Trades (FST): Aimed at tradespeople with specialized skills in designated occupations, addressing specific labor shortages.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Designed for those with prior Canadian work experience or international graduates who have studied in Canada, offering a pathway to permanent residency.
To qualify for Express Entry, candidates need a minimum CRS score, calculated based on attributes like work experience, language proficiency, occupation, age, and education. The highest scorers have the best chance of receiving an ITA in an Express Entry draw. Once eligible, candidates create a profile on the IRCC website and await an ITA. Successful ITA recipients can apply for permanent residency, with IRCC striving to process 80% of Express Entry applications within six months.
Immigtoronto offers expert guidance for a seamless immigration process. Our seasoned consultants are dedicated to assisting prospective immigrants. For inquiries about Canada’s Express Entry, please contact us at [email protected] or reach out at +1 833-789-1845.



