Express Entry Draw: IRCC Invited 700 Applicants on July 4, 2023

Canada conducted its most recent Express Entry draw on July 4, 2023. In this most recent Express Entry draw conducted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a total of 700 candidates have been invited to proceed with their immigration applications. This draw was an all-program draw, which means candidates from various economic immigration programs were eligible to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada.

To qualify for the ITA, candidates needed to meet a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 511. The CRS score is a points-based system used by the IRCC to assess and rank candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other criteria.

Surprising Invitations and Noteworthy CRS Score Trends

The recent Express Entry draw has taken many by surprise, as the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced its plan to invite 1,500 healthcare workers through a category-based selection process on July 5. As the specific details of these upcoming draws unfold, including the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for healthcare and STEM candidates, applicants are eagerly awaiting the official announcements from the IRCC.

In a groundbreaking development, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its first-ever Express Entry category-based draw on June 28. The draw targeted healthcare workers, resulting in the invitation of 500 candidates who met the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 476.

Examining the recent all-program draws, the current CRS score requirement of 511 stands as the highest seen thus far in 2023. This score surpasses the previous all-program draw on June 27, where 4,300 candidates received invitations with a minimum CRS score of 486. Comparatively, the score of 511 represents a notable increase of 35 points from the category-based draw for healthcare workers on June 28.

Introducing Category-Based Selection Draws

To attract skilled individuals who possess specific attributes in high-demand fields, a fresh approach known as category-based selection draws has emerged within the Express Entry system. With the recent implementation of this groundbreaking system, the primary objective of category-based selection draws is to extend invitations to candidates based on their proficiency in specific occupational domains or possession of highly sought-after qualifications. This innovative approach has led to the establishment of six distinct categories, thereby offering eligibility to candidates falling under the following classifications:

1. Healthcare Professionals
2. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Specialists
3. Skilled Tradespersons (e.g., carpenters, plumbers, contractors)
4. Transportation Industry Experts
5. Agriculture and Agri-Food Specialists
6. Individuals with Proficient French-language Skills

In June 2022, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act made significant revisions that allowed category-based selection draws to be implemented. These revisions granted the immigration minister the power to issue invitations to economic immigrants based on particular attributes that are in line with Canada’s economic objectives or facilitate the advancement of the French language outside of Quebec. This pivotal change empowers the immigration minister to strategically select candidates who possess the qualifications and skills that align with the country’s evolving economic priorities, ensuring a targeted and impactful approach to immigration selection.