If you plan to immigrate to Canada, one of the most important steps in your journey is participating in the Express Entry Draw. In this article, we will explore everything about these draws, including categories, the scoring system, and the latest results, so you can plan your path with clarity and confidence.
What is an Express Entry Draw?
The Canadian government routinely conducts Express Entry Draws, also known as rounds of invitations, where candidates in the Express Entry pool are invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
Candidates are ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which considers factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, and other criteria, with a maximum score of 1200 points.
Express Entry draws usually occur every two weeks, though this schedule has changed slightly since new categories were introduced in 2023.
Each draw has a CRS cut-off score, which varies depending on the number of candidates, Canada’s immigration targets, and the specific program or category. Candidates who receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) have 60 days to submit their official electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR).
Monitoring Express Entry draws and staying updated is essential for potential immigrants to understand their chances of receiving an ITA.
Key Components of an Express Entry Draw
Understanding the structure of a draw is crucial for anyone looking to immigrate to Canada. Key components include:
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Draw Number: Shows the sequence of the draw within the year, helping candidates track timing and frequency.
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Draw Date: Specifies when the draw took place.
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Category: Indicates the target category of the draw, such as Canadian Experience Class, Provincial Nominee Program, STEM occupations, etc.
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Tie-Breaking Rule: Used if multiple candidates score the CRS cut-off; implemented in November 2017.
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CRS Cut-Off Score: Minimum score required to receive an ITA in that draw.
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Number of ITAs Issued: Shows how many invitations were sent.
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Express Entry Pool Update: Provides insights into the pool’s composition, including the number of candidates and CRS score distribution, which can influence strategy for future draws.
Types of Express Entry Draws
IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) conducts different types of draws:
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General Draws: Invite top-ranking candidates eligible for the three main Express Entry programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class.
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Program-Specific Draws: Invite top-ranking candidates eligible for a specific program, e.g., Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
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Category-Based Draws: Each year, the Minister of Immigration defines categories to meet specific economic goals, and top-ranking candidates in these categories receive invitations.
Categories for this year include:
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French-language proficiency
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Healthcare occupations
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STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) occupations
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Trade occupations
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Transport occupations
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Agriculture
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Selection
Most draws focus on the candidate’s CRS score. To improve your chances:
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Review and enhance CRS factors such as education, language skills, and work experience
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Participate in category-specific draws where competition may be lower (e.g., French-language proficiency)
Having an approved Canadian job offer increases your chance of receiving an ITA but does not guarantee it.
Minimum CRS Score and Number of Selected Profiles
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The lowest-ever accepted CRS score since the system began in 2015 was 75 (CEC draw, February 2021).
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The lowest score for an all-program draw targeting Federal Skilled Workers was 413.
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The number of profiles selected varies based on candidate quality, pool size, and Canada’s labour market needs.
After Receiving an Invitation
If your profile is selected, you will receive an ITA. You then have 60 days to submit your eAPR for permanent residence.
Reasons for Delays in Draws
Delays may occur due to:
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Introduction of new categories
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Changes in immigration policies
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Shifts in government priorities
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Planning of new immigration targets
Candidates should follow official IRCC announcements to stay informed about the resumption of draws.
This guide helps you understand the structure, categories, and scoring of Express Entry Draws, enabling you to increase your chances of selection and plan your path to Canadian immigration with confidence.