Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 4,750 invites to candidates in the latest all-program Express Entry draw held on 23rd Nov.
This latest draw invited candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 491, down three points from the draw that took place on November 9, 2022 (minimum CRS score of 494).
The score has been steadily decreasing after the draws re-started in July of this year. The first draw this year was at 557.
Express Entry Explained!
Express Entry is the application management system that uses a points-based system, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), to rank candidates’ profiles. There are multiple factors considered when calculating the CRS score but the major ones are; Age, Education (within & outside Canada), Work Ex (within & outside Canada), English/French proficiency, blood ties in Canada, and if married Spouse details. The top-scoring candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and can then apply for permanent residency.
Express Entry includes the three Canadian immigration programs: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates in the Express Entry pool are already eligible for at least one of these programs.
After the candidate applies, an IRCC officer reviews the application and makes a decision. The officer will ask for biometrics and may set up an interview or request more documents. Once this is complete, if approved, the candidate is now a permanent resident of Canada and one step closer to becoming a Canadian citizen.