Express Entry draw with 3,400 invitations and 471 CRS score

On January 22 the Government of Canada held yet another Express Entry draw. The results saw 3,400 candidates chosen, all invited to apply to receive Canadian permanent residence. As always, the candidates had to meet a minimum score requirement based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). For this draw, the candidates needed a score of at least 471 points. This requirement is two points lower than the last draw from January 8. 

Express Entry is a popular pathway for skilled foreign workers to obtain their Canadian permanent residence. The stream manages profiles from three economic immigration programs: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Class. Candidates register their profiles in the Express Entry system, and these profiles are ranked based on how they score in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). CRS scores are determined based on factors such as educational background, work history, training, English or French language skills, and other credentials. 

A tie-break was applied to this draw, which means that all candidates who met the required score and submitted their applications before the set time were given invitations. The timestamp for this particular tie-break was May 9, 2019 at 01:16:02 UTC.

Immigrate to Canada Through Express Entry

Typically, Express Entry Draws are held every two weeks. Notably, the minimum score tends to lower when there is a smaller gap between draws. With only two draws so far in 2020, Express Entry has distributed 6,800 Invitations to Apply. By the end of the year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is aiming to invite a total of 85,800 permanent residents. What’s more, the goal for 2021 is even higher at 88,800.

For candidates hoping to increase their CRS scores to qualify for Express Entry draws, there are options for increasing scores. There are Provincial Nomination Programs throughout Canada, which allow provinces and territories to sponsor foreign workers residing in their area. These programs award 600 points to successful applicants, which just about guarantees selection in a future Express Entry draw.