For the first time since December 2020, the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score has dropped below 500 in Canada’s latest Express Entry draw.
Canada held its most recent all-program Express Entry draw on October 26. According to CIC news, invitations were issued this time to 4,750 candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 496.
Candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) were all eligible to receive invitations, according to the report.
Canada Express Entry Score Dropped
Since December 2020, Canada has suspended all-program draws for Express Entry. This year, the draw resumed on July 6.
The CRS has fallen below 500 for the first time since the draws resumed. The score was 468 on December 23, 2020, the last time it was this low.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will be able to increase the number of ITAs for permanent residence in Canada by lowering the CRS score.
Between January and August 31, Canada admitted slightly more than 28,000 new permanent residents via Express Entry programs. This year, a new Immigration Levels Plan is expected to be announced by November 1.
Canada Express Entry
Express Entry is a system used by the Canadian government to manage Canadian permanent residence applications for filling labor gaps through certain economic immigration programs.
How Express Entry works
Express Entry is an online system that we use to manage skilled worker immigration applications. Express Entry administers three immigration programs:
Canadian Experience Class
- for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience
- work experience must have been gained in the 3 years before you apply
Federal Skilled Worker Program
- for skilled workers with foreign work experience
- must meet criteria for education and other factors
Federal Skilled Trades Program
- for skilled workers who are qualified in a skilled trade
- must have a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification
If you are eligible for one of the programs listed above, you can also apply for the Provincial Nominee Program through Express Entry. If you are nominated, you will receive bonus points and will be invited to apply as soon as possible.
Express Entry ranks candidates’ profiles using a point-based system known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Candidates with the highest scores are given the Invitation to Apply (ITA) and can then apply for permanent residency.
Age, education level, proficiency in French or English, work experience, spouse factors, and connections to Canada all contribute to the CRS score.
An IRCC officer reviews the candidate’s application and decides whether or not they are approved. If approved, the candidate will be a permanent resident of Canada and one step closer to becoming a Canadian citizen.
Is it possible to improve the CRS score?
Yes of course. There are ways to improve your CRS score: retake the IELTS English proficiency exam, gain more work experience, show a job offer from a Canadian employer, and obtain a provincial nomination.
Through Express Entry programs, Canada has so far accepted just over 28,000 new permanent residents between January and August 31. By November 1 of this year, a new Immigration Levels Plan is anticipated to be released.
