Canada’s Express Entry system is a fast-track pathway for skilled immigrants to apply for Permanent Residency (PR).
One of the core mechanisms of this system is the Express Entry Draw, where the Canadian government invites top-ranked candidates to apply for PR.
In this blog, we explore the Express Entry system and recent developments in draws and answer the most common questions surrounding the process.
With the increasing demand for skilled workers, staying informed about CRS scores and drawing results is vital for applicants.
Understanding how these draws operate can help you prepare for future opportunities and optimise your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Whether you are already in the pool or planning to apply, this guide offers valuable insights to navigate the process effectively.
What Is the Express Entry Draw System?
The Express Entry draw system is an invitation-based process managed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Candidates enter the pool after creating an Express Entry profile, where they are ranked based on their CRS scores. Regular draws are conducted to invite the highest-ranking candidates to apply for PR.
- Eligibility: Applicants must qualify for one of the Express Entry programs (FSWP, FSTP, CEC, or PNP).
- Draws Frequency: Draws typically happen every two weeks, but the schedule may vary depending on Canada’s immigration goals.
- Types of Draws: General draws for all programs or program-specific draws targeting candidates with Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominations or certain in-demand skills.
IRCC uses Express Entry draws to meet labour market demands and manage immigration more efficiently.
How Does the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Work?
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) assigns a score to Express Entry candidates based on several factors.
The CRS score determines a candidate’s rank in the Express Entry pool, directly influencing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
CRS Scoring Factors
- Core/Human Capital Factors: Age, education, language skills, and work experience. The maximum points are 600.
- Additional Factors: Points for job offers, provincial nominations, or strong French language skills. Maximum points: 600.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the CRS system
- Age: Up to 110 points (maximum for candidates aged 20-29).
- Education: Up to 150 points for post-graduate education.
- Language Proficiency: Up to 136 points for a first language (English or French).
- Canadian Work Experience: Up to 80 points for experience in Canada.
- Additional Points: Provincial nomination adds 600 points, while a valid job offer adds 50-200 points.
The maximum score is 1,200, but most candidates range between 450-500 points.
What Happens After You Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?
Receiving an ITA is an important milestone in the Express Entry process, but it’s only the beginning of your journey toward becoming a permanent resident. After receiving an ITA, candidates must follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Process After Receiving an ITA
- Accept the Invitation: Log into your Express Entry account and accept the ITA within 60 days.
- Submit a Complete Application: You’ll need to provide,
- Personal information (passport, ID)
- Educational documents (ECA reports)
- Work experience proof (reference letters, payslips)
- Language test results (IELTS/CELPIP)
- Police certificates and medical exams
- Pay Fees: Submit processing fees and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF). The total fee is approximately CAD 1,325 per adult.
- Await Processing: IRCC aims to process PR applications in 6 months. However, times can vary based on complexity and volume.
Failure to submit documents within the given timeframe may result in rejection.
Who Qualifies for Express Entry Draws?
To qualify for Express Entry draws, candidates must meet the criteria for one of the programs under the Express Entry system. The three main programs are:
1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Minimum of 1 year of continuous skilled work experience.
- Score at least 67 points on the FSWP eligibility grid.
- CLB 7 or higher in English/French.
- Education equivalence must meet Canadian standards.
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Two years of full-time experience in a skilled trade.
- An offer of employment in Canada or a Canadian certification in the trade.
- CLB 5 is for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 is for reading and writing.
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- At least 12 months of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years.
- CLB 7 or CLB 5, depending on your NOC skill type.
Additionally, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) can boost your profile by adding 600 points to your CRS score, significantly increasing your chances of receiving an ITA.
What Is the Latest CRS Score Cut-Off?
The CRS cut-off score varies with each draw, influenced by the number of invitations issued and the profiles in the pool. Higher demand for certain professions or provincial nominations can affect these cut-offs.
Here’s a table summarising recent Express Entry draws and CRS cut-offs:
| Draw Date | CRS Cut-Off | Invitations Issued |
| October 2024 | 500 | 3,500 |
| September 2024 | 505 | 3,750 |
| August 2024 | 498 | 3,900 |
The cut-off can range between 490 and 510, reflecting the competitive nature of draws and Canada’s ongoing demand for skilled workers.
How Often Are Express Entry Draws Held?
Express Entry draws are usually held every two weeks, though the frequency can change depending on immigration quotas or specific program needs.
- All-Program Draws: Include candidates from all Express Entry programs (FSWP, FSTP, CEC).
- Program-Specific Draws: Target specific groups, like Provincial Nominees or candidates with French language skills.
Recent trends in 2024 show an increase in program-specific draws focusing on healthcare professionals, tech workers, and Francophone immigrants.
By maintaining consistent draws, Canada aims to meet its yearly immigration targets outlined in its Immigration Levels Plan.
How Do You Improve Your CRS Score for Express Entry?
Improving your CRS score can be the key to receiving an ITA in future draws. Several strategies can help increase your raranking:
- Improve Language Scores: Retake language tests to score higher. A jump from CLB 7 to CLB 9 in IELTS can significantly boost your CRS score.
- Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA): Get additional education recognised through ECA to earn more points.
- Gain Canadian Work Experience: Experience in Canada adds up to 80 points under the CRS.
- Apply for Provincial Nomination: A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score.
Additional improvements, such as obtaining a job offer or increasing your spouse’s language test scores, can further enhance your profile.
How Does the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Affect Express Entry?
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows provinces and territories to nominate skilled workers who meet local labour market needs. A provincial nomination boosts a candidate’s CRS score by 600 points, effectively guaranteeing an ITA.
Steps to Obtain a Provincial Nomination
- Express Interest: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to a province.
- Receive a Nomination: If selected, the province issues a nomination.
- Update Express Entry Profile: Add the nomination to your profile and gain 600 points.
Provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia frequently conduct Express Entry-linked draws, targeting skilled workers in specific sectors, such as IT, healthcare, and trades.
What Are the Predictions for Future Express Entry Draws?
The trends for future Express Entry draws suggest a continued focus on specific labour market demands. Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan sets ambitious targets for immigration, and future draws may:
- Target healthcare professionals, IT workers, and engineers.
- Focus on increasing Francophone immigration.
- Prioritize candidates with high CRS scores or provincial nominations.
CRS cut-off scores are also expected to hover around 500 points for all program draws. Candidates with a strong language background and Canadian work experience will continue to have an edge.
Conclusion
The Express Entry draws represent a critical pathway to Canadian Permanent Residency, especially for skilled workers looking to build their future in Canada.
Focusing on factors like CRS scores, provincial nominations, and draw trends can significantly improve candidates’ odds of receiving an ITA.
As the Canadian government adjusts immigration policies based on labour market needs, applicants must stay updated on draw results, scoring thresholds, and upcoming changes.
With the right preparation and strategy, navigating the Express Entry system becomes a streamlined process, ultimately leading you to achieve your goal of Canadian PR.
Ensure that you continuously refine your profile to increase your chances of being accepted in future rounds of invitations.
FAQs About Express Entry Draws
Can I Re-Enter the Express Entry Pool After My Profile Expires?
Yes, candidates can re-enter the pool by creating a new profile, provided they remain eligible for one of the Express Entry programs.
How Long Does It Take to Process PR After Receiving an ITA?
Most PR applications are processed within six months from submission, assuming all documents are provided.
Are There Program-Specific Draws in Express Entry?
IRCC sometimes conducts program-specific draws targeting PNP, CEC, or specific job sectors like healthcare or trades.
Can A Job Offer Boost My CRS Score?
A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can add between 50 and 200 points to your CRS score.
What Happens If I Miss the 60-Day Deadline for Submitting My Application?
If you miss the deadline, the ITA becomes invalid, and you must wait for a future invitation after updating your profile.
How Do I Track Upcoming Express Entry Draws?
You can track upcoming draws through official IRCC updates or immigration-focused platforms like CIC News or CanadaVisa.
Can I Update My Express Entry Profile After Submission?
Candidates can update their profiles with new language test scores, educational credentials, or work experience.
