New All-Program Express Entry draw invites 2,250 candidates

On August 17, Canada issued 2,250 Invitations to Apply in its fourth all-program Express Entry draw since July 6. A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 525 points was required for this draw, eight points lower than the previous one. For skilled newcomers, Express Entry is one of Canada’s most popular immigration pathways.

The latest draw saw the tie-breaking rule implemented on December 28, 2021 at 11:03:15 UTC. If more than one candidate had the minimum CRS score, only those who submitted their Express Entry profiles before this date and time received invitations.

New applications following these latest invitations will be processed in six months, says Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. There is a 60-day window for candidates to submit their applications.

This was the 17th round of invitations under Express Entry in 2022 and 229th overall.

A total of 7,500 ITAs have been issued since all-program draws began on July 6. There have consistently been 250 more candidates invited with each draw, while the minimum CRS score has been declining by eight or nine points each week. Compared to the July 6 draw, the current cut-off score is 33 points lower. As compared to the last draw on August 3, today’s CRS represents a decline of 8 points.

Express Entry in 2023: changes

Express Entry targets skilled workers who can fill Canada’s labour shortage by responding to industry needs, including those who speak French outside Quebec. As of 2022, Canada plans to welcome 55,900 permanent residents through Express Entry, and this number will rise to 111,500 by 2024.

Through Express Entry, IRCC is able to process applications more efficiently since the candidates have already met the minimum eligibility criteria, based on their CRS score. Since draws have resumed, the IRCC aims for a six-month processing standard for new applications.

In the future, IRCC may hold Express Entry draws targeted at specific skills and occupations rather than relying on the CRS alone. According to Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Canada could hire more immigrants with a proven track record of being successful in the labor market by doing this.

The goal is to maximize newcomers’ contribution to their communities so that they are set up to succeed when they arrive, as well as to meet the needs of their new communities,” Fraser said. “I expect retention rates to improve as people come in knowing they have opportunities based on the invitation to apply.”