Canada Express Entry: Over 4,000 invites issued this week. Check CRS score, other details
2 min read 28 Jun 2023, 02:50 PM ISTIn the latest Express Entry draw, Canada invited 4,300 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 486. They also announced new category-based selection for future draws, including healthcare and STEM professions. High CRS scores remain important for ITAs.
PremiumIn the fifteenth Express Entry draw of 2023, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 4,300 candidates in an all-program draw. To qualify, candidates needed to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 486. This draw followed a similar one on June 8, where 4,800 candidates were invited with the same minimum CRS cut-off score.
Exciting news came in May 2023 when IRCC announced the introduction of category-based selection for Express Entry candidates. Starting later in the summer, IRCC will hold draws specifically for candidates falling into six new categories. These categories include healthcare, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions, trades, transport, agriculture and agri-food, and individuals with strong French speaking abilities.
Candidates who possess the required work or language experience in occupations within these categories will receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the new draws. Healthcare and STEM occupations make up a significant portion of the eligible categories, with healthcare alone representing nearly half of the occupations.
It's important to note that applicants with work experience in any of the listed occupations must also be part of the Express Entry pool to be eligible for an ITA. While the introduction of category-based selection brings additional opportunities, a high CRS score remains crucial, as candidates with the highest scores are still more likely to receive an ITA.
The selection of these categories was based on consultations with provinces, territories, and other stakeholders. IRCC plans to include the results and success of these draws in their yearly report to parliament. It's worth mentioning that categories may vary from year to year, reflecting the evolving needs and priorities of the Canadian immigration system.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is an application management system that oversees three of Canada’s most prominent economic immigration programs: The Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
