In the most recent Express Entry draw of 2023, IRCC extended invitations to 2,000 candidates through an all-program draw. The CRS score requirement for eligibility was set at 517.
Summary of the latest Express Entry results
July 11-12
The IRCC issued invitations to 3,800 applicants seeking permanent residence who speak French in a category-based selection draw. A minimum CRS score of 375 was required. Among Express Entry draws this year, this is by far the lowest CRS score. A CRS draw on July 11 included 800 candidates with a minimum score of 505 in every program.
July 4-7
A new record was set during the first full week of July when four consecutive ITAs were released.
700 hopefuls were invited to the program after an unexpected draw on July 4. The minimum CRS threshold they required was 511, the highest CRS score of any all-program draw in 2023 so far.
A category-based selection draw for applicants with STEM experience was conducted by the IRCC on July 5 as previously announced. STEM candidates were eligible for the first draw since the categories for the category-based selection were announced on May 31. There were 500 applicants invited by IRCC who had a minimum CRS score of 486.
It was also anticipated that the draw would take place on July 6. As part of IRCC’s category-based selection draw, 1,500 healthcare professionals were invited to apply. They had to have a minimum CRS of 463. In this category, the invitations were sent in a second round.
In the week of July 7, a total of 2,300 invitations were sent to Express Entry applicants who had a minimum CRS of 439 and excellent French skills. Proficiency in French is the only occupation-independent selection criterion.
June 27-28
The IRCC conducted two draws during the latter half of June. To begin with, 4,300 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 486 were invited to participate in an all-program draw on June 27.
Following that, invites for the first-ever category-based selection round were sent out. The IRCC requested 500 applications from individuals with prior experience in specific healthcare occupations. At least 476 points were required on the CRS.
Express Entry – An overview
Express Entry functions as an application management system responsible for the administration of the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program. Aspiring immigrants within the Express Entry pool undergo a comprehensive assessment, considering pivotal human capital aspects like professional background, job occupation, language proficiency, educational attainment, and age. Each candidate is allocated a CRS score, which determines their position among fellow applicants within the pool. Notably, those possessing the highest CRS scores stand a greater chance of receiving coveted invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residency.
With effect from May 31, the IRCC introduced new category-based selection standards that place more emphasis on different attributes than just a high CRS score. As well as with this change, six new categories for Express Entry applicants are introduced:
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Strong French-language proficiency
- Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- Healthcare
- Transport
These categories were chosen in an effort to both meet Canada’s acute labor shortage needs and promote French usage outside of Quebec.
