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Express Entry Draw: Your Pathway to Canadian PR

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by Kathy Watkins

Recent Express Entry Invitation Round

Immigration to Canada welcomes you to explore Canada’s premier immigration pathway, the Express Entry system, which was launched in 2015. This streamlined system manages the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). With ambitious targets set for the coming years, Canada aims to extend invitations to 485,000 new immigrants in 2024, rising to 500,000 in both 2025 and 2026. To embark on your Express Entry journey, it is essential to meet the eligibility criteria for one of these programs and to submit an Express Entry profile for consideration.

Express Entry Draw

Why Are CRS Scores Elevated for Express Entry?

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores for Express Entry have remained elevated through 2024 for several reasons that impact immigration to Canada.

Firstly, category-based draws with significant invitation allocations in 2024 are key in keeping CRS cut-offs high.

Secondly, the presence of numerous temporary residents in Canada, many of whom qualify for the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, heightens the competition.

Additionally, Canada’s status as a preferred destination for immigrants drives a strong demand for Express Entry. This demand is reflected in the candidate pool results for Express Entry.

Combined, these elements are pushing CRS scores upward in 2024.

What’s Behind the Rise in PNP Draws?

Recently, there has been a noticeable shift in the draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), especially the increase in PNP draws. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean more PNP applicants are being chosen.

Applicants nominated for PNP can receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in any general or all-program draw. A substantial portion of ITAs in such draws is often issued to candidates with PNP nominations. According to the 2023 Express Entry report, over half of the candidates invited during a general draw were eligible for the Provincial Nominee Program in the latter half of the year. The resurgence of PNP draws corresponds to the reduced frequency of general/all-program draws we’re experiencing.

The IRCC needs to regularly select PNP applicants from the express entry pool for several reasons. Firstly, a PNP nomination typically remains valid for just six months. Keeping PNP-nominated candidates in the pool too long risks their nomination expiring, which could complicate processing for both provincial and federal bodies.

The provinces and territories have distinct economic needs and labor shortages. Through PNPs, they can select candidates with the skills and expertise required in local job markets. A pause or reduction in the issuance of PNP ITAs would negatively impact provinces’ ability to tackle labor shortages.

Given that many PNP-nominated candidates are already in Canada, delaying ITAs post-nomination could necessitate additional IRCC applications to maintain their status, exacerbating application backlogs and straining resources.

According to the latest Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027, PNP targets will be reduced by over 50%, lowering planned admissions from 120,000 in 2025 to 55,000 that same year. As a result, we may see fewer invitations in each PNP Express Entry draw in 2025, though the frequency of these draws will likely remain similar to 2024.

When Will Express Entry CRS Scores for General Draws Decrease?

Immigration to Canada has not executed a general, all-program draw since April 23rd, 2024, when the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score was 529. This year, the lowest CRS score seen in a general draw has been 524. Understandably, applicants waiting for a general draw are eager to know two things: when the next general draw will be and what the CRS cut-off score might be.

Predicting the timing of the next general draw is challenging. Immigration to Canada is currently concentrating on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and category-based draws. Therefore, if there is a general draw, it might not happen soon. In the meantime, consider ways to improve your CRS score while you wait.

Given the absence of general draws in the past four months, it is highly probable that the CRS cut-off will be quite high in the next general draw, possibly exceeding 560.

Current Trends in Express Entry Draws

Out of the 51 draws conducted so far in 2024, 9 have been general all-program draws, 19 category-based draws, 13 PNP draws, and 10 CEC draws. Recent months have seen a focus on PNP and CEC applicants, indicating a potential shift in trends. Immigration to Canada is also working on establishing a bi-weekly schedule for these draws.

Latest Express Entry Draw Overview

Draws for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Candidates These draws prioritize individuals from the CEC category, requiring them to have accumulated at least one year of skilled work experience within Canada.

Draws for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Candidates This type of draw gives preference to candidates who hold provincial nominations. These individuals are eligible under one of the three Express Entry programs and typically have connections to a specific province or territory through employment, education, or family ties.

Draws for Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) Candidates These draws focus on candidates from the FSWP. Such applicants usually reside outside of Canada and possess foreign skilled work experience in the Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER)

CEC-Focused Draw
This draw prioritizes applicants from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). These individuals need at least one year of skilled work experience gained within Canada.

PNP-Focused Draw
This draw targets candidates with Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominations. These individuals may qualify under any of the three Express Entry programs, provided they have a provincial nomination. Such nominations often signify a connection to a province or territory through employment, education, or family ties.

FSWP-Focused Draw
This draw is for candidates under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). These applicants generally apply from outside Canada and possess skilled work experience abroad in the Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) categories 1, 0, or 2.

FSTP-Focused Draw
This draw is aimed at candidates from the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Usually, these candidates apply from abroad and have skilled work experience in a TEER category 2 occupation.

Tie-Breaking Rule
What does the Express Entry tie-breaker entail? When numerous candidates achieve the same Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score, the tie-breaking rule helps manage the number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued in each draw. Only those who meet or surpass the CRS cut-off and have submitted their profiles before the designated tie-breaking date by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will receive an ITA. This approach was implemented in November 2017.

Express Entry Draw

How to Boost Your Express Entry CRS Score

Struggling with your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score? Don’t worry; improving your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the upcoming Express Entry draw is possible with some strategic moves. Here are five actionable tips to enhance your Express Entry profile.

  1. Enhance Your Language Skills

One of the most effective ways to boost your CRS score is to improve your proficiency in English or French. As advised by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) David Allon, enhancing your language abilities can significantly elevate your score. For instance, participants with International English Language Testing System (IELTS) results at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 8 or below can retake the exam after further practice. This improvement can lead to substantial increases in CRS points. Additionally, testing your secondary language can add up to 24 points to your score.

Maximizing your language proficiency can yield a 160-point increase for single applicants and 150 points if applying with a partner. Your improved language skills can also augment the points earned from foreign work experience and education, offering up to 100 additional CRS points.

  1. Advance Your Educational Qualifications

An advanced level of education combined with high language proficiency can notably enhance your chances of receiving an ITA. For example, applicants with a Bachelor’s degree and high CLB scores across all language abilities earn considerably more points than those with lower language proficiency. This educational advancement is essential for standing out in the Express Entry pool.

  1. Acquire Additional Work Experience

How extensive is your professional background? Gaining three or more years of foreign work experience coupled with high CLB language skills can raise your CRS score by 50 points. If part of your experience is from Canada, you can gain even more points, making this a key area for score enhancement.

  1. Obtain a Job Offer in Canada

Although having a job offer is not mandatory for Express Entry, it can significantly boost your CRS score. A valid job offer from a job in TEER categories 0, 1, or 2 is worth 50 points, while jobs in TEER category 0 can bring an impressive 200 points.

  1. Secure a Provincial Nomination

Earning a provincial nomination can be a game-changer in the Express Entry process, adding 600 points to your CRS score and almost guaranteeing an ITA in the subsequent draw. To obtain this nomination, your Express Entry profile must align with the labor market needs of a specific Canadian province or territory. Accepting the nomination entails a commitment to reside in the region that nominated you once permanent residency is granted.

While Express Entry remains one of the quickest paths to Canadian immigration, it is also highly competitive. The team at Immigration to Canada, staffed with RCICs accredited by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), is equipped to guide you through the intricate process. Discover your eligibility for Express Entry and how Immigration to Canada can assist you in securing an ITA in the upcoming draws!

FAQ
How do Express Entry Draws work?

When applicants join the Express Entry system, they are assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. During Express Entry draws, candidates with the highest CRS scores receive Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). At Immigration to Canada, we provide insights into maximizing your CRS score.

How does IRCC determine the CRS cut-off for each draw?

The CRS cut-off is determined by the number of ITAs that IRCC intends to issue in a given draw. They invite the top-ranking candidates starting from the highest CRS scores and working down until they reach the desired number of applicants. The lowest CRS score among those invited becomes the cut-off for that draw.

How is my Express Entry CRS score calculated?

Your CRS score is calculated based on factors such as skills, work experience, language proficiency, education, and other criteria. At Immigration to Canada, we offer tools and guidance to help you understand your score and improve it where possible.

When is the next Express Entry draw expected?

IRCC does not pre-announce the dates of upcoming Express Entry draws, making it challenging to predict. However, there are patterns based on historical draw schedules. Stay updated by visiting Immigration to Canada—we provide insights on potential draw timing.

How often do Express Entry Draws occur?

The frequency of Express Entry draws has become less predictable, especially with the introduction of category-based draws. IRCC may conduct several draws within a week, often following a pattern of one week with draws and one week without. For timely notifications, rely on resources from Immigration to Canada.

What time of day are Express Entry Draws conducted?

The timing of Express Entry draws varies, but they are typically held in the afternoon, using universal time. For the latest updates, you can follow Immigration to Canada’s announcements.

What is the minimum score needed for Express Entry?

There is no minimum CRS score required to enter the Express Entry pool. Anyone eligible for one of the Express Entry-aligned programs can join the pool, regardless of their CRS. However, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) requires applicants to score at least 67 points on its eligibility grid.

What is the typical cut-off score for Canada PR?

CRS cut-off scores for Permanent Residence depend on the specific draw. While general program draws may have cut-offs around 500, category-specific draws can have significantly lower cut-offs. For example, French-speaking candidates might be invited with scores as low as 336.

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