Latest Express Entry Draw: IRCC Invites 3,725 Candidates with a CRS Score of 500

Great news for immigration hopefuls! On October 10th, 2023, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its latest Express Entry draw, inviting 3,725 candidates to apply for permanent residence. This draw is the first one for October and was open to candidates from all Express Entry programs.

CRS Score Requirement:

Candidates require a minimum CRS score of 500 to receive an ITA in this draw. This score is determined based on factors such as work experience, language proficiency, age, education, and more.

Three Consecutive Draws in September:

Prior to this draw, there were three consecutive draws in the last week of September:

On September 26th, 3,000 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 504 were invited in an all-program draw.

On September 27th, 500 candidates proficient in French, with a minimum CRS score of 472, were invited in a category-based draw.

The final draw of the week, on September 28th, invited 600 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 354 in the first-ever category-based draw for candidates in agriculture and agri-food occupations.

New Categories and Selection Process:

The recent draws reflect the IRCC's efforts to implement the new category-based selection process, introduced in June 2022. Under this new system, the immigration minister can select candidates based on specific attributes aligned with Canada's economic priorities.

Six New Express Entry Categories:

In May 2023, the IRCC introduced six new Express Entry categories:

Healthcare

STEM Professions (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

Trades

Transport

Agriculture and Agri-food

Strong French Abilities

These categories were chosen after consultations with various stakeholders and provincial governments. They are designed to align with existing streams under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), ensuring economic integration at a provincial level.

What Is Express Entry?

Express Entry is a comprehensive application management system that oversees several immigration programs in Canada, including the FSWP (Federal Skilled Worker Program), the FSTP (Federal Skilled Trades Program), and the CEC (Canadian Experience Class).

Candidates looking to apply through Express Entry must meet specific eligibility criteria and acquire a minimum CRS score. Candidates having scores above the required CRS cut-off score are more likely to receive an ITA in an Express Entry draw.

Once candidates receive an ITA, they can apply for permanent residency, with IRCC aiming to process 80% of all Express Entry applications within six months.

For a personalized assessment of your eligibility for Express Entry, you can check your eligibility using our free eligibility calculator. The IRCC continues to make strides in facilitating immigration to Canada, providing new opportunities for those looking to call Canada their home.