Canada Express Entry draw occurred after a month’s pause, and IRCC issued invitations to 32,00 invitations. The Express Entry draw is an all-program draw. The lowest score under the Comprehensive Ranking System was 531.
The summer duration in 2023 had more number of draws compared to previous years. This is because of the launch of the new category-based selection draws. The last Express Entry draw was also an all-program draw, and it took place on August 15 this year. The previous draw invited 4,300 candidates.
The reason behind this long haul remains unknown. However, on September 18, IRCC confirmed the news of the Express Entry draws beginning again.
Canada Express Entry draws this summer
Here’s the summary of the Express Entry draws held from June 8 to August 15 this year.
| Date | Program Type | ITAs Issued | Lowest CRS Score |
| June 8 | All-program | 4,800 | 486 |
| June 27 | All-program | 4,300 | 486 |
| June 28 | Healthcare occupations | 500 | 476 |
| July 4 | All-program | 700 | 511 |
| July 5 | STEM occupations | 500 | 486 |
| July 6 | Healthcare occupations | 1500 | 463 |
| July 7 | French language proficiency | 2,300 | 439 |
| July 11 | All-program | 800 | 505 |
| July 12 | French language proficiency | 3,800 | 375 |
| August 1 | All-program | 2,000 | 517 |
| August 2 | French language proficiency | 800 | 435 |
| August 3 | Trade occupations | 1,500 | 388 |
| August 15 | All-program | 4,300 | 496 |
Canada Express Entry draw occurred after a month’s pause – defining Express Entry
Express Entry manages the applications of economic class immigrants through its three programs. These include the Canadian Experience Class, the FSTP, and the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
All the above Express Entry programs consist of separate eligibility requirements. However, all of them rank the candidates under the Comprehensive Ranking System. These scores are given to them based on several factors, such as education, work experience, age, and language skills. Also, the candidates who attain the highest scores tend to have greater chances to obtain ITAs to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence status.
If the Express Entry candidates also receive a provincial nomination, they will have higher chances to obtain an invitation. Express Entry candidates who also exist under the Provincial Nominee Program get an additional 600 points. Since most Express Entry draws have a CRS score between 300 and 550, they tend to get the benefits. However, the score also depends on the program or category.
Express Entry Category Selection Draws
IRCC began its journey of Express Entry category-based draws on May 31 by launching six new categories. One of the categories is for Express Entry candidates who possess solid French language skills. The remaining five categories are meant for those with work experience in one of the following fields:
- STEM Professions;
- Healthcare;
- Agriculture and Agri-Food;
- Transport; and
- Trades
On June 28, IRCC sent invitations to candidates for the first category-based selection draws. These invitations were issued to those with experience in healthcare occupations. After this draw, there were other category-based draws for candidates in professions, Trades, and French language skills.
Those candidates who are eligible under an Express Entry program are eligible for such category selection draws. Furthermore, IRCC ranks these candidates against each other; therefore, they must focus on getting higher CRS scores.
IRCC states these new categories will enable Canada to address the labor shortage gap. It will help the government fill the vacancies to strengthen the Canadian economy and workforce.
These categories came into force only after several discussions with stakeholders, provincial governments, IRCC partners, and business associations.
