Express Entry-managed programs stand as one of the top choices for skilled immigrants aspiring to move to Canada swiftly. This preference is driven by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) maintaining a service standard of six months for processing Express Entry applications, making it, as its name suggests, one of the fastest routes to Canadian permanent residency.

Securing an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residency via Express Entry heavily hinges on a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The higher the score, the greater the likelihood of receiving an ITA. A candidate's CRS score is determined by various human capital factors, including age, work experience, occupation, language proficiency, and education.

In recent Express Entry draws, particularly general ones, the minimum CRS scores have surpassed 500. However, based on the recent statistics as of February 28, among the 211,487 candidates in the Express Entry pool, only 18,106 possess scores above 500. To put it into perspective, less than one-tenth of the Express Entry candidates have CRS scores high enough to be considered in a general draw thus far in 2024. This circumstance prompts individuals with CRS scores below 500 to question the viability of entering the Express Entry pool or exploring alternative pathways to Canadian immigration.

The minimum CRS score required for an ITA varies in each Express Entry draw and can be influenced by the draw's nature (general, program-specific, or category-based). CRS scores have exhibited significant fluctuations across Express Entry draws in 2024. As of March 12, ten Express Entry draws have been conducted. Six draws were general, encompassing candidates from all Express Entry programs and categories, with scores ranging from 525 to 541.

The remaining four draws targeted candidates eligible through category-based selection.

CRS scores for these draws have generally been lower than those for general draws, ranging from 336 to 437, depending on the category. Introduced in May 2023, category-based selection draws aim to target Express Entry candidates possessing specific in-demand attributes. Five of these categories are occupation-based, focusing on:

1. Healthcare occupations
2. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
3. Trades occupations, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
4. Transport occupations
5. Agriculture and agri-food occupations

The remaining category is designated for Express Entry candidates with strong French language proficiency. Candidates in this category witnessed the lowest score of the year so far (336) in a February 29 draw, with 2,500 ITAs issued. Another draw in the same category on February 1 offered 7,000 ITAs to those with a CRS score of 365.

Moreover, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws have shown significant impact and effectiveness in facilitating immigration to Canada. Statistics reveal that PNP draws have consistently contributed to the selection of skilled individuals who meet the specific labour market needs of participating provinces. This indicates that candidates with CRS scores insufficient for a general draw still have opportunities to secure an Express Entry ITA if eligible for category-based selection. Last year, IRCC issued over 16,000 Express Entry invitations in category-based draws.

This indicates that candidates with CRS scores insufficient for a general draw still have opportunities to secure an Express Entry ITA if eligible for category-based selection. Last year, IRCC issued over 16,000 Express Entry invitations in category-based draws.

For more information about immigration options to Canada, please contact Zane Immigration Inc.

Contact details: +1 289-541-4261 [email protected] https://zaneimmigration.ca/