In its most recent draw held on June 8, 2023, Canada invited4800 candidates to apply for permanent residency under its Express Entry program. This brings the total number of invitations issued by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to 38,000 in 2023 so far.
A Lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement for this draw was 457, marking a decrease compared to the previous draw, which had a CRS cut-off score of 461. The CRS is a points-based system that the Canadian government uses to assess and score Express Entry candidates based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency in English or French, and work experience.
The fact that the CRS cut-off score is falling is promising news for candidates who are hoping to make Canada their permanent home, as it suggests they may have a better chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Ties Broken By Date and Time
The IRCC applies a tie-breaking rule when the CRS cut-off score is met by a large number of candidates. For the June 8 draw, the time stamp used as a tie-breaker was May 20, 2023, at 11:12:45 UTC. This means that all candidates with a CRS score of 457 or more who submitted their profile before this date and time received an ITA.
Express Entry: A Popular Pathway to Canadian Immigration
The Express Entry system, first introduced in 2015, manages the pool of candidates for three of Canada's main economic immigration categories: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class.
The high number of ITAs issued reflects Canada's ongoing commitment to welcoming high levels of immigrants to support its economy. In 2023, Canada's immigration levels plan aims to admit over 400,000 new permanent residents, with a substantial portion expected to be processed through the Express Entry system.
In addition to the main Express Entry draw, there are also draws for candidates with a provincial nomination. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer an alternative pathway for people who have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific Canadian province or territory.
The number of candidates who can apply for Canadian permanent residence through the PNP continues to rise, which supports regional development by meeting specific local labor market needs.
Conclusion
The June 8 Express Entry draw, with a total of 5,000 ITAs issued and a lower CRS score, continues Canada's trend of welcoming a significant number of skilled immigrants. As the world continues to navigate the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada remains steadfast in its goal of attracting foreign talent to help build a stronger economy.
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