700 Express Entry applicants are selected in a random draw by the IRCC

In the most recent Express Entry draw, IRCC invited 700 people to apply. Candidates needed a CRS score of 511 or higher, and the draw was open to all programs. 

Although Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) previously announced that it would invite 1,500 healthcare workers via the category-based selection on July 5, this draw comes as a surprise. 

In addition, the first-ever category-based selection Express Entry draw for STEM professionals is anticipated to welcome individuals with work experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) jobs. What the cutoff CRS score will be for healthcare and STEM jobs is still up in the air.

The first-ever Express Entry category-based draw took place on June 28; 500 healthcare workers with a minimum CRS score of 476 were invited. 

IRCC also announced on same day that this week will see a round of Express Entry invitations open to STEM occupations specifically.

As of this update, no other 2023 all-program CRS draw has topped the current score of 511. It’s a lot greater than the previous all-program draw on June 27th, which invited 4,300 people with a minimum CRS score of 486. It’s also 35 points better than the June 28 category draw’s minimum requirement of 476.

Randomly assigned categories in Express Entry

The new category-based selection draws in Express Entry are intended to welcome applicants with desirable characteristics or experience in a particular field of work. Candidates may now qualify under one of six expanded categories:

• Healthcare
• Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
• Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
• Transport
• Agriculture and agri-food
• Strong French-language proficiency

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act was amended in June 2022 to allow for selection drawings based on categories. Inviting economic immigrants on the basis of a specific attribute that aligns with Canada’s economic interests or would promote the French language outside of Quebec is now within the immigration minister’s purview, thanks to the reforms.

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses the Express Entry application management system to choose permanent residency applicants in accordance with their Comprehensive Ranking System scores. 

The CRS takes into account a wide range of factors when determining a candidate’s score, including work history, profession, language skills, level of education, age, and more. 

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) uses these characteristics to rank Express Entry applicants who have submitted profiles through the IRCC website. The highest-scoring applicants stand the best chance of being extended an invitation to apply (ITA).

The Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class are all under the purview of Express Entry. While all programs use the same system for determining eligibility, the specific requirements vary from one to the next.