March 13, 2024
By Stephanie Ford
Get immigration help you can trust.
Find the best immigration programs for you
Advertisement
On March 13, Canada held a category-based Express Entry draw, issuing 975 invitations. This is first Transportation draw in 2024, with the previous transport occupations draw taking place on December 20, 2023.
A total of 975 candidates were invited with scores starting at 430 CRS points.
This is the third transportation occupations draw ever, and it has the equal lowest CRS cut off for a transportation draw at 430 points.
Please note, it could take up to 24 hours to receive an ITA. Keep an eye on your inbox if you think you may have been invited.
Stay up to date with our free newsletter.
Get immigration updates & new resources to help you move to Canada and succeed after arrival.
Get immigration help you can trust
What you'll find on this page
Advertisement
What happened in the latest Express Entry draws: our analysis
The First Transportation Occupations Draw of 2024
The category-based draw on March 13 targeted transportation occupations. The CRS cut off of 430 for the transportation draw is much lower than what we’re seeing in the general draws, with this week’s general draw having a CRS of 525.
The CRS for this transportation draw is similar to what we’re seeing in other category-based draws, with the most recent healthcare and agriculture draws seeing CRS cut offs ranging from 420-440.
The CRS cut off range we’re seeing for healthcare, transport, and agriculture occupations are all much higher than we’re seeing for the French language category-based draws, however. The most recent French language round of invitations saw a CRS of just 336.
This Week’s General Draw Had The Lowest CRS Cut Off For 2024
At 525, this week’s general draw marks the lowest CRS cut off since October 10 last year, where we saw a general draw CRS requirement of 500.
It is interesting to note that there are more than 9,500 candidates in the Express Entry pool (as of March 11, 2024). This is a significant increase from before the introduction of category-based draws in 2024. In fact, in June of 2023, there were just under 2,000 candidates in the Express Entry pool with scores higher than 501+.
This is likely due to the significant volume of category-based draws that we are seeing. It indicates that the pool of candidates looking to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry is extremely competitive at the moment.
French-Proficiency an advantage in Express Entry in 2024
There’s little doubt that demonstrated French-language skills are a significant advantage in the Express Entry system in 2024. But do you need to have strong French language skills to be eligible?
In a word, no. Intermediate French could be good enough to squeeze into the French language category through which 7,000 invitations were issued on February 1 and a further 2,500 were issued on February 29.
Canada assesses candidates’ language ability across a 12-point scale known as the Canadian Language Benchmarks. The minimum threshold candidates need to meet to get into the French language category is a CLB 7, which corresponds to an intermediate level. At this level, you may still struggle in certain contexts like following detailed conversations or reading complex texts.
You don’t have to be fluent, or even advanced, with French to be invited through the French language category, though of course it is even better if you are fluent or advanced.
Learn more about how French can help you immigrate to Canada.
Express Entry draws picked up in February
Canada’s started the year off slowly with its Express Entry draws, but it appears to be picking up steam.
January had only three draws in total. February saw six draws, including four targeted draws — two for French, and one each for agriculture and agri-food and healthcare occupations.
This week’s draws show CRS dip
This week’s general draw recorded the lowest CRS cut off this year at 525.
We also saw a dip in the CRS cut off for the French language draw on February 29, which issued invitations to candidates with scores of at least 336. Note: this is the lowest recorded CRS cut off for any category based draw.
While the general draw CRS is lower than the first general draws of the year at 546, 543, 541, and 535, to get above the 500s in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) requires some additional points, such as those given with a validated job offer or a nomination in a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
With newly-released Express Entry data, we know that most Express Entry candidates got permanent residency through the PNP in 2023. This finding further suggests how having a PNP can be a boon toward ones application for permanent residency.
In this general draw, at least 965 candidates had scores over 600, which likely indicates a PNP nomination which gives candidates an automatic bonus of 600 points. This means 1,885 candidates with scores between 501-600 were invited. There are 9,567 candidates in the Express Entry system pool on March 12, 2024, which indicates that there may be a significant number of Express Entry candidates (around 7,500) with scores lower than 525 in the pool currently.
Candidates can get additional points by having a provincial nomination from a PNP nomination, a qualifying job offer, bilingualism in English and French, or others.
The following table shows a breakdown of what is worth “additional points” for Express Entry:
Factor | Points |
---|---|
Provincial nomination obtained under an Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream/category | 600 |
Qualifying job offer in Senior Management occupation under Major Group 00 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC)* | 200 |
Qualifying job offer in any other skilled occupation (TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3)* | 50 |
Completed one-year or two-year study program in Canada | 15 |
Completed three-year/Master's/entry to practice professional degree or Doctorate (PhD) in Canada | 30 |
French ability of CLB 7 or better AND English ability of CLB 4 or worse (or no English test result at all) | 25 |
French ability of CLB 7 or better AND English ability of CLB 5 or better | 50 |
Sibling in Canada** | 15 |
What can we expect for Express Entry Draws in 2024?
Express Entry categories 2024 will remain the same.
IRCC has issued an email update stating that it will maintain the same Express Entry categories in 2024.
The six Express Entry categories include: French language, healthcare workers, STEM workers, transportation workers, trades workers, and workers in agriculture and agrifood.
These categories are being rolled over from 2023, when Canada first started holding category-based draws.
Which Express Entry category is IRCC using most often?
Since Express Entry category-based draws were introduced last summer, 11,900 invitations have been issued through French language category draws. This dwarfs any other category, with the healthcare category in second with 9,100 invitations issued over the same period.
Canada recently increased its goal for francophone immigration outside Quebec, from 4.4 percent to 8 percent of all permanent residents. Canada’s immigration objectives extend beyond mere economic, with societal, nation-building goals also top of mind in Ottawa. Also, it is entirely possible for a candidate with French ability to also be a STEM, healthcare, or trades professional; regardless of which category, or none, candidates are invited through, they all have proven experience in skilled employment in some form or another.
Three general draws in January, two in February
Canada held three general draws in January and two in February, inviting candidates to apply from all programs and categories.
Although the CRS scores in February were lower than what we saw in January, it was relatively high still at 534 and 535. This could indicate that for that draw there were fewer candidates in the pool with high scores, including those with provincial nominations.
Here are some hypothetical scenarios where candidates may have been invited in the February 28 general draw. Please note, these are not examples of real people in the Express Entry pool.
Airi is 29, has 2 or more education certificates one completed in Canada. She has high English proficiency. 1 year of Canadian experience and 3 years of foreign work experience, plus a sibling in Canada: 544 CRS points.
Dhrumil is 31 with a Masters degree from a foreign university. He has high English and French proficiency plus 3 years of foreign work experience: 544 CRS points.
Ash is 30 and has a masters degree, high English proficiency, 3 years of foreign work experience and 1 year of Canadian work experience. They also have a valid job offer in a TEER 1 occupation: 566 CRS points.
What are category-based Express Entry draws?
With category-based selection, Express Entry applicants may be invited for one of the following six categories:
- French language proficiency
- Healthcare occupations
- STEM occupations
- Trade occupations
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and Agri-food occupations
To be eligible for the French-language proficiency category, you must have French-language test results that show a minimum score of 7 in all 4 language abilities on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens.
For occupation-specific categories, you need to have full time work experience in an eligible occupation for a minimum of six months within the past three years, in conjunction with the minimum full time work experience to be eligible for Express Entry.
Applicants under either of the 3 immigration programs the Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades, are eligible for category-based selections draws.
Learn more about the specific occupations on Moving2Canada’s dedicated category-based Express Entry draw webpage.
If you want to be one of the first people to find out about Express Entry updates, create a free Moving2Canada account and sign up for our newsletter.
For more information on Express Entry and other Canadian immigration options, check out these resources:
Advertisement
CRS Score Calculator
PNP Live Tracker: The latest results & eligibility
Immigration Quiz: Find the best immigration program
Get your questions answered by an expert
CRS score distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool
The following table shows the recent distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool. As of February 27, there were a total of 211,487 candidates in the Express Entry 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.
Advertisement
When is the next Express Entry draw predicted?
IRCC does not publish a date for the next Express Entry draw therefore it is not possible to know for certain when the next Express Entry draw will take place.
However, IRCC has historically tended to conduct Express Entry draws every two weeks on Wednesdays. That being said, 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 next draw.
The quickest way to find out when an Express Entry draw has taken place is to create a free Moving2Canada account and sign up for our newsletter.
Express Entry CRS score cut-off all-time records
In the history of Express Entry, the following CRS score cut-off records have taken place:
What is the lowest CRS score cut-off in any Express Entry draw:
- All programs: 413 points
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 75 points — this was an exceptional draw that invited all CEC candidates in the Express Entry pool
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST): 199 points
- Category-based: 336 points in a French draw
What is the highest CRS score cut-off in any Express Entry draw:
- All programs: 886 points
- PNP Draw: 902 points
How to calculate your Express Entry CRS score?
The CRS score for Express Entry is calculated based on factors such as skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other criteria. Moving 2 Canada’s CRS calculator will offer you a comprehensive and personalized breakdown of your points based on those key factors.
Express Entry draw list by year
Draw # | Date | Number of invitations to apply issued | Minimum CRS points required | Category |
---|---|---|---|---|
Draw #289 | Mar 13 | 975 | 430 | Transportation |
Draw #288 | Mar 12 | 2850 | 525 | -- |
Draw # 287 | Feb 29 | 2500 | 336 | French |
Draw # 286 | Feb 28 | 1470 | 534 | -- |
Draw # 285 | Feb 16 | 150 | 437 | Agriculture |
Draw # 284 | Feb 14 | 3500 | 422 | Healthcare |
Draw # 283 | Feb 13 | 1490 | 535 | -- |
Draw # 282 | Feb 1 | 7000 | 365 | French |
Draw # 281 | Jan 31 | 730 | 541 | -- |
Draw # 280 | Jan 23 | 1040 | 543 | -- |
Draw # 279 | Jan 10 | 1510 | 546 | -- |
Date | Number of invitations to apply issued | Minimum CRS points required | Category | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Draw 278 | Dec 21 | 400 | 386 | Agriculture |
Draw 277 | Dec 20 | 670 | 435 | Transport |
Draw 276 | Dec 19 | 1,000 | 425 | Trades |
Draw 275 | Dec 18 | 1,325 | 542 | -- |
Draw 274 | Dec 8 | 5,900 | 481 | STEM |
Draw 273 | Dec 7 | 1,000 | 470 | French |
Draw 272 | Dec 6 | 4,750 | 561 | -- |
Draw 271 | Oct 26 | 3,600 | 431 | Healthcare |
Draw 270 | Oct 25 | 300 | 486 | French |
Draw 269 | Oct 24 | 1,548 | 776 *PNP-only draw | -- |
Draw 268 | Oct 10 | 3,725 | 500 | -- |
Draw 267 | Sept 28 | 600 | 354 | Agriculture |
Draw 266 | Sept 27 | 500 | 472 | French |
Draw 265 | Sept 26 | 3,000 | 504 | -- |
Draw 264 | Sept 20 | 1,000 | 435 | Transport |
Draw 263 | Sept 19 | 3,200 | 531 | -- |
Draw 262 | Aug 15 | 4,300 | 498 | -- |
Draw 261 | Aug 3 | 1,500 | 388 | Trades |
Draw 260 | Aug 2 | 800 | 435 | French |
Draw 259 | Aug 1 | 2,000 | 517 | -- |
Draw 258 | July 12 | 3,800 | 375 | French |
Draw 257 | July 11 | 800 | 505 | -- |
Draw 256 | July 7 | 2,300 | 439 | French |
Draw 255 | July 6 | 1,500 | 463 | Healthcare |
Draw 254 | July 5 | 500 | 486 | STEM |
Draw 253 | July 4 | 700 | 511 | -- |
Draw 252 | June 28 | 500 | 476 | Healthcare |
Draw 251 | June 27 | 4,300 | 486 | -- |
Draw 250 | June 8 | 4,800 | 486 | -- |
Draw 249 | May 24 | 4,800 | 488 | -- |
Draw 248 | May 10 | 589 | 691 *PNP-only draw | -- |
Draw 247 | Apr 26 | 3,500 | 483 | -- |
Draw 246 | Apr 12 | 3,500 | 486 | -- |
Draw 245 | Mar 29 | 7,000 | 481 | -- |
Draw 244 | Mar 23 | 7,000 | 484 | -- |
Draw 243 | Mar 15 | 7,000 | 490 | -- |
Draw 242 | Mar 1 | 667 | 748 *PNP-only draw | -- |
Draw 241 | Feb 15 | 699 | 791 *PNP-only draw | -- |
Draw 240 | Feb 2 | 3,300 | 489 *FSW-only draw | -- |
Draw 239 | Feb 1 | 893 | 733 *PNP-only draw | -- |
Draw 238 | Jan 18 | 5,500 | 490 | -- |
Draw 237 | Jan 11 | 5,500 | 507 | -- |
Date | Number of invitations to apply issued | Minimum CRS points required | |
---|---|---|---|
Draw 236 | Nov 23 | 4,750 | 491 |
Draw 235 | Nov 9 | 4,750 | 494 |
Draw 234 | Oct 26 | 4,750 | 496 |
Draw 233 | Oct 12 | 4,250 | 500 |
Draw 232 | Sept 28 | 3,750 | 504 |
Draw 231 | Sept 14 | 3,250 | 510 |
Draw 230 | Aug 31 | 2,750 | 516 |
Draw 229 | Aug 17 | 2,250 | 525 |
Draw 228 | Aug 3 | 2,000 | 533 |
Draw 227 | July 20 | 1,750 | 542 |
Draw 226 | July 6 | 1,500 | 557 |
Draw 225 | June 22 | 636 | 752 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 224 | June 8 | 932 | 796 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 223 | May 25 | 589 | 741 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 222 | May 11 | 545 | 753 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 221 | Apr 27 | 829 | 772 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 220 | Apr 13 | 787 | 782 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 219 | Mar 30 | 919 | 785 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 218 | Mar 16 | 924 | 754 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 217 | Mar 2 | 1,047 | 761 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 216 | Feb 16 | 1,082 | 710 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 215 | Feb 2 | 1,070 | 674 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 214 | Jan 19 | 1,036 | 745 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 213 | Jan 5 | 392 | 808 *PNP-specific draw |
Date | Number of invitations to apply issued | Minimum CRS points required | |
---|---|---|---|
Draw 212 | Dec 22 | 746 | 720 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 211 | Dec 10 | 1,032 | 698 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 210 | Nov 24 | 613 | 737 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 209 | Nov 10 | 775 | 685 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 208 | Oct 27 | 888 | 744 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 207 | Oct 13 | 681 | 720 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 206 | Sept 29 | 761 | 742 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 205 | Sept 15 | 521 | 732 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 204 | Sept 14 | 2,000 | 462 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 203 | Sept 1 | 635 | 746 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 202 | August 19 | 3,000 | 403 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 201 | August 18 | 463 | 751 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 200 | August 5 | 3,000 | 404 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 199 | August 4 | 512 | 760 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 198 | July 22 | 4,500 | 357 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 197 | July 21 | 462 | 734 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 196 | July 8 | 4,500 | 369 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 195 | July 7 | 627 | 760 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 194 | June 24 | 6,000 | 357 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 193 | June 23 | 1,002 | 742 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 192 | June 10 | 6,000 | 368 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 191 | June 9 | 940 | 711 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 190 | May 31 | 5,956 | 380 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 189 | May 26 | 500 | 713 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 188 | May 20 | 1,842 | 397 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 187 | May 13 | 4,147 | 401 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 186 | May 12 | 557 | 752 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 185 | April 29 | 6,000 | 400 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 184 | April 28 | 381 | 717 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 183 | April 16 | 6,000 | 417 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 182 | April 14 | 266 | 753 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 181 | April 1 | 5,000 | 432 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 180 | March 31 | 284 | 778 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 179 | March 18 | 5,000 | 449 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 178 | March 17 | 183 | 682 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 177 | March 8 | 671 | 739 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 176 | February 13 | 27,332 | 75 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 175 | February 10 | 654 | 720 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 174 | January 21 | 4,626 | 454 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 173 | January 20 | 374 | 741 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 172 | January 7 | 4,750 | 461 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 171 | January 6 | 250 | 813 *PNP-specific draw |
Date | Number of invitations to apply issued | Minimum CRS points required | |
---|---|---|---|
Draw 170 | December 23 | 5,000 | 468 |
Draw 169 | December 9 | 5,000 | 469 |
Draw 168 | November 25 | 5,000 | 469 |
Draw 167 | November 18 | 5,000 | 472 |
Draw 166 | November 5 | 4,500 | 478 |
Draw 165 | October 14 | 4,500 | 471 |
Draw 164 | September 30 | 4,200 | 471 |
Draw 163 | September 16 | 4,200 | 472 |
Draw 162 | September 2 | 4,200 | 475 |
Draw 161 | August 20 | 3,300 | 454 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 160 | August 19 | 600 | 771 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 159 | August 6 | 250 | 415 *FST-specific draw |
Draw 158 | August 5 | 3,900 | 476 |
Draw 157 | July 23 | 3,343 | 445 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 156 | July 22 | 557 | 687 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 155 | July 8 | 3,900 | 478 |
Draw 154 | June 25 | 3,508 | 431 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 153 | June 24 | 392 | 696 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 152 | June 11 | 3,559 | 437 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 151 | June 10 | 341 | 743 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 150 | May 28 | 3,515 | 440 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 149 | May 27 | 385 | 757 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 148 | May 15 | 3,371 | 447 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 147 | May 13 | 529 | 718 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 146 | May 1 | 3,311 | 452 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 145 | Apr 29 | 589 | 692 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 144 | Apr 16 | 3,782 | 455 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 143 | Apr 15 | 118 | 808 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 142 | Apr 9 | 3,294 | 464 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 141 | Apr 9 | 606 | 698 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 140 | Mar 23 | 3,232 | 467 *CEC-specific draw |
Draw 139 | Mar 19 | 668 | 720 *PNP-specific draw |
Draw 138 | Mar 4 | 3,900 | 471 |
Draw 137 | Feb 19 | 4,500 | 470 |
Draw 136 | Feb 5 | 3,500 | 472 |
Draw 135 | Jan 22 | 3,400 | 471 |
Draw 134 | Jan 8 | 3,400 | 473 |
Date | Number of invitations to apply issued | Minimum CRS points required | |
---|---|---|---|
Draw 132 | Dec 19 | 3,200 | 469 |
Draw 131 | Dec 11 | 3,200 | 472 |
Draw 131 | Nov 27 | 3,600 | 471 |
Draw 130 | Nov 13 | 3,600 | 472 |
Draw 129 | Oct 30 | 3,900 | 475 |
Draw 128 | Oct 16 | 500 (Federal Skilled Trades only) | 357 (Federal Skilled Trades only) |
Draw 127 | Oct 2 | 3,900 | 464 |
Draw 126 | Sept 18 | 3,600 | 462 |
Draw 125 | Sept 4 | 3,600 | 463 |
Draw 124 | Aug 20 | 3,600 | 457 |
Draw 123 | Aug 12 | 3,600 | 466 |
Draw 122 | July 24 | 3,600 | 459 |
Draw 121 | July 10 | 3,600 | 460 |
Draw 120 | June 26 | 3,350 | 462 |
Draw 119 | June 12 | 3,350 | 465 |
Draw 118 | May 29 | 3,350 | 470 |
Draw 117 | May 15 | 500 (Federal Skilled Trades only) | 332 (Federal Skilled Trades only) |
Draw 116 | May 1 | 3,350 | 450 |
Draw 115 | April 17 | 3,350 | 451 |
Draw 114 | April 3 | 3,350 | 451 |
Draw 113 | March 20 | 3,350 | 452 |
Draw 112 | March 6 | 3,350 | 454 |
Draw 111 | February 20 | 3,350 | 457 |
Draw 110 | January 30 | 3,350 | 438 |
Draw 109 | January 23 | 3,900 | 443 |
Draw 108 | January 9 | 3,900 | 449 |
Date | Number of invitations to apply issued | Minimum CRS points required | |
---|---|---|---|
Draw 107 | December 19 | 3,900 | 439 |
Draw 106 | December 12 | 3,900 | 445 |
Draw 105 | November 28 | 3,900 | 445 |
Draw 104 | November 14 | 3,900 | 449 |
Draw 103 | October 29 | 3,900 | 442 |
Draw 102 | October 15 | 3,900 | 440 |
Draw 101 | October 3 | 3,900 | 445 |
Draw 100 (FSTC) | September 24 | 400 | 284 |
Draw 99 | September 19 | 3,500 | 441 |
Draw 98 | September 5 | 3,900 | 440 |
Draw 97 | August 22 | 3,750 | 440 |
Draw 96 | August 8 | 3,750 | 440 |
Draw 95 | July 25 | 3,750 | 441 |
Draw 94 | July 11 | 3,750 | 442 |
Draw 93 | June 25 | 3,750 | 442 |
Draw 92 | June 13 | 3,750 | 451 |
Draw 91 (PNP) | May 30 | 200 | 902 |
Draw 91 (FSTC) | May 30 | 500 | 288 |
Draw 90 | May 23 | 3,500 | 440 |
Draw 89 | May 9 | 3,500 | 441 |
Draw 88 | April 25 | 3,500 | 441 |
Draw 87 | April 11 | 3,500 | 444 |
Draw 86 | March 26 | 3,000 | 446 |
Draw 85 | March 14 | 3,000 | 456 |
Draw 84 | February 21 | 3,000 | 442 |
Draw 83 | February 7 | 3,000 | 442 |
Draw 82 | January 24 | 2,750 | 444 |
Draw 81 | January 10 | 2,750 | 446 |
Invitations to apply issued | Number of invitations to apply issued | Minimum CRS points required | |
---|---|---|---|
Draw 51 | January 4 | 2,902 | 468 |
Draw 52 | January 11 | 3,334 | 459 |
Draw 53 | January 25 | 3,508 | 453 |
Draw 54 | February 8 | 3,664 | 447 |
Draw 55 | February 22 | 3,611 | 441 |
Draw 56 | March 1 | 3,884 | 434 |
Draw 57 | March 24 | 3,749 | 441 |
Draw 58 | April 5 | 3,753 | 431 |
Draw 59 | April 12 | 3,923 | 423 |
Draw 60 | April 19 | 3,665 | 415 |
Draw 61 | May 4 | 3,796 | 423 |
Draw 62 | May 17 | 3,687 | 415 |
Draw 63 (PNP) | May 26 | 143 | 775 |
Draw 64 (FSTC) | May 26 | 400 | 199 |
Draw 65 | May 31 | 3,877 | 413 |
Draw 66 | June 28 | 3,409 | 449 |
Draw 67 | July 12 | 3,202 | 440 |
Draw 68 | August 2 | 3,264 | 441 |
Draw 69 | August 9 | 2,991 | 433 |
Draw 70 | August 23 | 3,035 | 434 |
Draw 71 | September 6 | 2,772 | 435 |
Draw 72 | September 20 | 2,871 | 433 |
Draw 73 | October 4 | 2,801 | 438 |
Draw 74 | October 18 | 2,757 | 436 |
Draw 75 (PNP) | November 1 | 290 | 673 |
Draw 76 (FSTC) | November 1 | 505 | 241 |
Draw 77 | November 8 | 2,000 | 458 |
Draw 78 | November 15 | 2,750 | 439 |
Draw 79 | December 6 | 2,750 | 452 |
Draw 80 | December 20 | 2,750 | 446 |
Invitations to apply issued | Number of invitations to apply issued | Minimum CRS points required | |
---|---|---|---|
Draw 24 | January 6 | 1,463 | 461 |
Draw 25 | January 13 | 1,518 | 453 |
Draw 26 | January 27 | 1,468 | 457 |
Draw 27 | February 10 | 1,505 | 459 |
Draw 28 | February 24 | 1,484 | 453 |
Draw 29 | March 9 | 1,013 | 473 |
Draw 30 | March 23 | 1,014 | 470 |
Draw 31 | April 6 | 954 | 470 |
Draw 32 | April 20 | 1,018 | 468 |
Draw 33 | May 6 | 799 | 534 |
Draw 34 | May 18 | 763 | 484 |
Draw 35 | June 1 | 762 | 483 |
Draw 36 | June 15 | 752 | 488 |
Draw 37 | June 29 | 773 | 482 |
Draw 38 | July 13 | 747 | 482 |
Draw 39 | July 27 | 755 | 488 |
Draw 40 | August 10 | 754 | 490 |
Draw 41 | August 24 | 750 | 538 |
Draw 42 | September 7 | 1,000 | 491 |
Draw 43 | September 21 | 1,288 | 483 |
Draw 44 | October 12 | 1,518 | 484 |
Draw 45 | October 19 | 1,804 | 475 |
Draw 46 | November 2 | 2,080 | 472 |
Draw 47 | November 16 | 2,427 | 470 |
Draw 48 (PNP) | November 30 | 559 | 786 |
Draw 49 | December 16 | 1,936 | 497 |
Draw 50 | December 22 | 2,878 | 475 |
Invitations to apply issued | Number of invitations to apply issued | Minimum CRS points required | |
---|---|---|---|
Draw 1 | January 31 | 779 | 886 |
Draw 2 | February 7 | 779 | 818 |
Draw 3 | February 20 | 849 | 808 |
Draw 4 | February 27 | 1,187 | 735 |
Draw 5 | March 20 | 1,620 | 481 |
Draw 6 | March 27 | 1,637 | 453 |
Draw 7 | April 10 | 925 | 469 |
Draw 8 | April 17 | 715 | 453 |
Draw 9 | May 22 | 1,361 | 755 |
Draw 10 | June 12 | 1,501 | 482 |
Draw 11 | June 27 | 1,575 | 469 |
Draw 12 | July 10 | 1,516 | 463 |
Draw 13 | July 17 | 1,581 | 451 |
Draw 14 | August 7 | 1,402 | 471 |
Draw 15 | August 21 | 1,523 | 456 |
Draw 16 | September 8 | 1,517 | 459 |
Draw 17 | September 18 | 1,545 | 450 |
Draw 18 | October 2 | 1,530 | 450 |
Draw 19 | October 23 | 1,502 | 489 |
Draw 20 | November 13 | 1,506 | 484 |
Draw 21 | November 27 | 1,559 | 472 |
Draw 22 | December 4 | 1,451 | 461 |
Draw 23 | December 18 | 1,503 | 460 |
What are the Canadian Express Entry requirements
The Express Entry system is one of Canada’s main immigration pathways to select and skilled workers and issue invitations to apply for Canadian immigration. It is designed to make it quicker for immigrants with skilled work experience to get Canadian permanent residence.
First off, let’s dispel a common mistake. Express Entry is not an immigration program. Rather, it is an online application management system for these three Canadian immigration programs:
You need to meet the minimum requirements of at least one of the three Express Entry programs, mentioned above, in order to get a profile in the Express Entry pool of candidates.
Once you are deemed eligible, you will get a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Your score is based on factors that are determined by the Canadian government to be important for successful economic immigration in Canada. Namely, the four general points categories include:
- Age: top points are awarded to candidates between ages 20-29
- Language proficiency: the higher your language level the more points you get, topping out at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 10 in all language abilities
- Education: the greater your education, the more points you get (foreign credentials require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA))
- Work experience: in a skilled occupation according to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
You may receive additional points for skills transferability factors, having a valid job offer, education in Canada, or a provincial nomination from a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Also, your points distribution will be different depending on if you are applying solo or with your spouse/common-law partner.
After you get your score, you may need to keep your profile updated. The Express Entry system counts your points based on the documents submitted to your profile. For example, if your language test results expire, you will need to submit new ones.
Other than keeping your profile current, the next thing you need to do is wait to be invited in an Express Entry draw. The types of draws you may be invited for include:
- All-program draws: which consider candidates who may be eligible for any program and from any occupation.
- Program-specific draws: which target candidates who may be eligible for one particular program, such as CEC draws or PNP draws.
- Category-based draws: for candidates whose profiles fit an economic goal set out by the government, such as for language ability or occupation.
Will Canadian Experience Class or CEC draws continue?
With the introductions of category based Express Entry draws, IRCC will still hold program specific draws targeting applicants who qualify under a certain immigration program. This means that they will likely continue to hold Canadian Experience Class or CEC draws from the Express entry pool although it is not clear when the next CEC draw will take place. The last CEC draw took place on the 14th September 2021 and selected CEC applicants with a CRS of at least 462. Since this draw, IRCC have focused on all program draws, category based draws and provincial nominee program draws.
What is the minimum score for Express Entry?
There is no minimum score needed to enter the Express Entry pool. Anyone, irrespective of their CRS can enter the Express Entry pool so long as they are eligible for an immigration program that uses the Express Entry pool. The only points requirement is that required to qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW). Applicants who wish to immigrate through the FSW program must be able to demonstrate they score at least 67 points in the FSW eligibility grid.
What is the cut off score for Canada PR (Permanent residence)?
Express Entry profiles are selected from the Express Entry pool based on their CRS score. The CRS cut off score depends on the specific draw. For all program draws, the cut off will likely be around 500 whereas for category- based draws, the cut off can be substantially lower than this depending on the category. For example, French speakers in the Express Entry pool may be selected with a CRS cut off as low as 375.
What to do if you receive an Express Entry invitation?
If you are invited, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This is your chance to apply for Canadian immigration.
You have 60 days to respond to your ITA. Once you have submitted an application, you may receive a decision on your application at any time. IRCC’s standard is six months, but it may take more or less time.
If you are approved, you will get a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). Then it’s just a matter of following IRCC’s instructions to officially become a permanent resident of Canada!
To see if you are eligible for Express Entry, take the free Canada Immigration Quiz.
Latest Updates
Find the best immigration program for you
Get immigration help you can trust
Book a consultation with one of Moving2Canada's recommended Canadian immigration consultants. You deserve the best in the business.
Get the latest news & updates
Sign up for the Moving2Canada newsletter to get the latest immigration news and other updates to help you succeed in Canada.
latest articles
Get immigration help you can trust. Book a consultation with one of Moving2Canada’s recommended Canadian immigration consultants.
Find the best immigration program for you. Take our free immigration quiz and we’ll tell you the best immigration programs for you!
Privacy Overview
Cookie | Duration | Description |
---|---|---|
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional | 11 months | The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". |
viewed_cookie_policy | 11 months | The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. |