Latest Canada Express Entry draw invites 2,250 applicants

Alisha Khan
[Published 18 Aug, 2022 | 05:32 AM]
About Author - 2 min read
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In the most recent Express Entry draw, which was held on August 17, 2022, Canada welcomed 2,250 applicants to submit applications for permanent residency through the Express Entry stream of immigration. Candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores of at least 525 were sent invitations. Candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) were eligible to be invited because there was no specific programme listed for this draw.

Since all-program draws resumed on July 6, 7,500 applicants have received ITAs overall. The minimum CRS score has been continuously dropping each week by eight or nine points while the number of candidates invited has steadily climbed by 250 with each draw. The current cut-off score is 33 points less than the draw on July 6, which had a cut-off score of 557. Comparing today's CRS to the most recent draw on August 3, it has dropped by 8 points.

For more than 18 months, Express Entry draws were suspended by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Only those individuals were asked to apply during this time who qualified for permanent residency through the CEC or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). But in September 2021, CEC draws were also suspended.

The global COVID-19 pandemic was in full swing when the draws were paused due to an excessive quantity of permanent residency applications. Canada's border was closed at this time, and travel policies constantly altered.

Express Entry 2023 updates 

Express Entry targets talented professionals who can fill in the shortages in Canada's labour force by meeting market demands, especially immigrants who speak French outside of Quebec. Through Express Entry, Canada expects to accept 55,900 permanent residents in 2022; by the end of 2024, that number will have skyrocketed to 111,500. Since the candidates have already met a minimum standard of eligibility based on their CRS score, IRCC can process applications more quickly by inviting individuals through Express Entry. 

The IRCC hopes to handle new applications within six months now that draws have resumed. However, rather than depending exclusively on a CRS score in the future, IRCC is currently thinking about organising Express Entry draws that focus on particular skills and occupations. In June, Sean Fraser, Canada's minister of immigration, told CIC News that by doing this, Canada would be able to choose more immigrants who are already well-suited for success in the job market.