Express Entry Draw – Latest Figures

Results from the November 25 draw are below.

In the November 25 Express Entry draw for immigration to Canada, 5,000 candidates will be issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA), making this one of the two largest draws in Express Entry history (the other one happening one week ago on November 18). The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-off threshold for this draw was 469 points. The tie-breaking rule for this draw was applied to profiles at 469 points submitted after October 15, 2020 at 08:50:10 UTC.

This is an all-program draw, meaning that candidates in the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Trades (FST) programs, including Provincial Nominees, were considered.

Express Entry draws usually happen once every two weeks, but only one week has passed between the last draw and this one. As well, both of the last two draws have issued 5,000 invitations. These two factors have combined to create downward pressure on the CRS score cutoff, driving it below 470 in an all-program draw for the first time in months.

The two most recent Express Entry draw are the joint-largest in the history of Express Entry, which came into operation nearly six years and 168 draws ago. Higher invitation numbers aligns with Canada’s plan to admit record numbers of new permanent residents in 2021 through to 2023, with record high targets for the federal economic immigration programs administered through Express Entry. More invitations eventually leads to more admissions through these Canadian immigration programs.

Express Entry: Find success with our free resources

We have spent years creating free resources to help people like you navigate the Express Entry process. Do you want to know how to increase your CRS score? Or what you’re going to need once you receive an ITA? We’ve got you covered with these resources: 

• The Express Entry Roadmap: A beginner’s guide
• How to improve your CRS score
• After you get an ITA: What to expect
• PNP Live Tracker: Check your PNP options
• Need expert advice? We recommend these consultants
• Express Entry not working out? Check these alternatives

Here at Moving2Canada we believe that when it comes to Canadian immigration, information is your most powerful tool. Inform yourself and empower yourself to make the best possible decisions about your immigration process.

CRS score distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool as of November 23, 2020

The following table shows the distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool several days before the latest Express Entry draw. As of November 23, there were a total of 144,468 candidates in the Express Entry pool, more than 2,000 fewer than a week previously. This is a strong indication that the number of people leaving the pool — either by being invited, or leaving by choice, or because their profile expires — is currently greater than the number of people entering the pool.

The score distribution may change as people submit new profiles and other profiles expire.

Want to improve your Express Entry CRS score? See our updated guide for tips you might not have thought of yet.

How will COVID-19 and the Canadian border closure impact Express Entry?

COVID-19 has become a global pandemic and the Government of Canada is enacting exceptional measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus in Canada. To be kept up to date on the latest news about COVID-19 and how it is impacting Canadian immigration, please follow our regularly updated COVID-19 newsfeed.

Here are some of the questions we’ve received about how COVID-19 will impact Express Entry:

Is Canada still issuing Express Entry invitations despite COVID-19?

Canada is still issuing Express Entry invitations. Between March and June, most Express Entry draws were restricted to candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or those with provincial nominations. However, in July, Express Entry resumed all-program draws. 

Is Canada still processing Express Entry applications during COVID-19?

Yes. Canada is still processing immigration applications for Express Entry, but processing delays should be expected.

I have an ITA, but I can’t get the documents I need because everything is shut down due to COVID-19. What do I do?

Start by consulting IRCC’s special instructions for applications being submitted during the COVID-19 pandemic. IRCC has stated that they will not refuse an incomplete application missing documents due to COVID-19.

If your Express Entry PR application is due, you may submit your application with missing documents, but ensure that you include a letter of explanation explaining the missing documentation and the reasoning for this. IRCC will give you 90 days to complete missing steps in your application.

Please note that biometrics letters will still state that biometrics are due in either 30 or 90 days, but IRCC will not close an application if an applicant cannot obtain biometrics due to COVID-19 closures. There are also special biometrics exemptions in place impacting some PR applicants.

I have been approved through Express Entry and I have my COPR, but I am outside Canada. Can I travel to Canada to activate my status?

The answer to this question depends on when your COPR was issued and where you are currently residing. According to official guidelines published by IRCC, individuals who meet one of following conditions may still enter Canada:

• COPR-holders with a valid COPR who are residing in any country other than the United States and were approved for their COPR before 12pm EDT on March 18, 2020, and who are travelling to Canada to settle permanently;
• COPR-holders with a valid COPR who are residing in the United States and were approved on any date (even after March 18, 2020) and who are travelling to Canada to settle permanently.

If your COPR/travel document is going to expire and you cannot or choose not travel to Canada due to COVID-19, IRCC states, “If we already approved your permanent resident application, but you can’t travel to Canada before your documents expire, or your documents have already expired, don’t contact us until you’re ready to travel to Canada.” Once you are ready to travel, IRCC asks you to raise a Webform indicating you’re ready and they will inform you of the next steps.

How will COVID-19 impact the CRS score cut-off?

We do not know the answer to this question. In the midst of the public health crisis, our goal is to provide our community with objective and factual information. We are refraining from speculating about possible impacts of the coronavirus on the CRS score cut-off. There are simply too many variables at play and the situation is evolving at too rapid a pace. 

The Express Entry Year-End Report

The most recent Express Entry Year-End Report was published in June 2020, covering activity from 2019. We read the entire report (so you don’t have to!) and wrote a series of short articles on the highlights.

Check out the following summaries to learn more about the topics you care about most:

• Invitations by occupation
• Invitations by program
• Invitations by country of citizenship
• Invitations by country of residence
• Which provinces are Express Entry newcomers moving to?
• Updated processing times for Express Entry applications

About the Express Entry CRS

The Comprehensive Ranking System is a score out of 1,200 used to benchmark federal economic applicants against one another. It’s a part of the Express Entry mechanism, which was established in January 2015 to process permanent residence applications.

The score is used as a cut-off point in Express Entry draws. It is designed to project a candidate’s likelihood of being economically successful in Canada.

To enter the pool, candidates must be eligible under either the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Class. Candidates who obtain a provincial nomination through one of the Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams receive 600 additional CRS points and an ITA at a subsequent draw from the pool.

A single candidate can earn up to 260 points for high proficiency in English and French, while a couple can earn up to 270 points. Moving2Canada readers can now avail of a seven-day free trial of online language tutorials to prepare for their approved language test. Simply select to Learn English or Learn French and complete the online form.

If you are in the Express Entry pool but are yet to receive an invitation to apply, please visit our page on tips to improve your CRS score.

Are there any alternatives to Express Entry?

Yes! In fact, we have a great new resource showcasing your potential Canadian immigration options outside the Express Entry system. To learn about your options, see this page.

When will the next Express Entry draw take place?

There is no public schedule of future Express Entry draws, and so it is not possible to know for certain exactly when the next Express Entry draw will take place. However, IRCC has historically tended to conduct Express Entry draws about every two weeks, and often these draws take place on Wednesdays. However, Express Entry draws can, and do, take place on other days of the week, and sometimes there is a longer or shorter gap between one Express Entry draw and the subsequent, or previous, draw.

The quickest way to find out when an Express Entry draw has taken place is to register a Moving2Canada profile and sign up for our newsletter updates.

Those interested in finding work in construction or engineering can seek help through our recruitment agency, Outpost Recruitment. Since 2012, we’ve helped great candidates get work across civil, infrastructure, and buildings projects in Canada.

Health insurance

Permanent Residency applicants can consider more comprehensive health insurance policies, above typical travel insurance plans.

Expatriate health insurance ensures access to the best possible healthcare while living and working abroad. Cigna Global is a leader in these policies and provides 12-month cover for those moving to Canada, regardless of nationality or age.

Click here to get a free online quote in under 60 seconds.

And if you’re interested in saving money when moving abroad, you can find out how in our international money transfers guide.

Express Entry CRS cut-off all-time records

• Lowest CRS points cutoff in any Express Entry draw: 413 (all programs), 199 (FSTC)
• Highest CRS points cutoff in any Express Entry draw: 886 (all programs), 902 (PNP)

Express Entry draw list: 2019

• Lowest CRS points cutoff in a 2019 Express Entry draw: 438
• Highest CRS points cutoff in a 2019 Express Entry draw: 475

Express Entry draw list: 2018

• Lowest CRS points cutoff in a 2018 Express Entry draw: 439 (all programs), 288 (FSTC)
• Highest CRS points cutoff in a 2018 Express Entry draw: 456 (all programs), 902 (PNP)

Express Entry draw list: 2017

• Lowest CRS points cutoff in a 2017 Express Entry draw: 413 (all programs), 199 (FSTC)
• Highest CRS points cutoff in a 2017 Express Entry draw: 468 (all programs), 775 (PNP)

Express Entry draw list: 2016

• Lowest CRS points cutoff in a 2016 Express Entry draw: 453
• Highest CRS points cutoff in a 2016 Express Entry draw: 786

Express Entry draw list: 2015

• Lowest CRS points cutoff in a 2015 Express Entry draw: 450
• Highest CRS points cutoff in a 2015 Express Entry draw: 886

Get help with your application

Do you need assistance in preparing an application for Canadian permanent residence? If so, view Moving2Canada’s Book an Immigration Consultant page to see our list of recommended, accredited representatives who can assist you in your goals.