The recent draw held by the Canadian Express Entry system for 2024 has come to a close signifying a moment, for individuals aspiring to move to Canada. Drawing #286 of the Express Entry has sparked interest by issuing 1,470 Invitations to Apply (ITA) for applicants in the recent draw, under the “General” category, here are the key details you should be aware of.
Canadian Express Entry Draw #286
In this draw that lacks specific criteria, individuals from different programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Provincial Nominee Program may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This fifth “General” category draw of the year set a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score at 534. This figure is notably lower than the last draw’s cutoff of 535 on February 13, 2024, signalling a slight ease in the selection criteria.
Current Canadian Express Entry Pool Composition by CRS Score Range
As, per the report from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) there are currently 211,487 individuals in the Canadian Express Entry pool eagerly anticipating an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for residency in Canada. The candidates profiles, within the Express Entry pool are grouped according to a scoring system known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the candidates’ distribution across different CRS score ranges:
- There are 965 candidates with top-tier scores ranging from 601 to 1200.
- In the 501-600 bracket, there are 9,567 individuals.
- A significant segment of 59,371 candidates fall between the CRS scores of 451-500 which is further divided as follows:
- 7,574 candidates have scores ranging from 491-500.
- Those with CRS scores between 481-490 account for 10,095 candidates.
- The range of 471-480 has a candidate pool of 17,137.
- There are 13,373 and 11,192 candidates in the CRS score ranges of 461-470 and 451-460 respectively.
For those with scores considered to be in the mid-range (401-450), there’s a sizable group amounting to 50,695 aspirants. Breaking down this category:
- The sub range of 441-450 contains 10,265 profiles.
- Tallying up to 10,474 are those whose scores lie between 431-440.
- Candidates with CRS scores within the bracket of 421-430 number at 9,110.
- Individuals with points from 411 to 420 amount to 10,407.
- And lastly, there are an equal number of participants (10,439) in the score range of 401 to 410.
Moving towards the lower end of the spectrum:
- Candidates within the CRS score range of 351-400 are recorded at a figure of approximately 56,178.
- A further count shows that there are nearly twice as many candidates with scores between 301-350 at a quantity of approximately one-third less than double that amounting to a total population statistic standing at an exact count of precisely twenty-nine thousand three hundred and five individuals exactly.
- Lastly, beneath the threshold of a score of three hundred (300 points or less), there’s still a presence observable indicative of ambition from such applicants totalling five thousand four hundred and six determined hopeful contenders.
Future invitation rounds will see fluctuations in the numbers of applications coming in, expiring, or receiving ITAs. Candidates aspiring to be selected in these rounds should aim to improve their CRS scores wherever possible to increase their chances.
Trends and Insights
This year’s lowest CRS score of 534 marks a contrast compared to the lowest score of 2023, which stood at 481 on March 29th. The increasing CRS threshold reflects heightened competition among candidates as Canada continues managing immigration intakes holistically through its point-based Express Entry system.
How Does Express Entry Work?
Express Entry is at the forefront of managing applicants desiring permanent residency in Canada through a systematic points framework that assesses skills needed by the economy. It oversees three primary paths: FSWP, FSTP, and CEC, fitting into Canada’s broader immigration strategy. The CRS quantifies applicant profiles allowing for efficient and transparent selections.
Determining Your Eligibility
Potential immigrants can assess their likelihood of success by using resources, like the CRS Score Calculator, which takes into account variables such as background, professional experience, language proficiency and other factors. It’s important for candidates to meet the requirements of one federal immigration program such as FSWP, FSTP or CEC before creating a profile, in the Express Entry system.
