Express Entry Draw #234 – October 26, 2022 – CRS Drops Below 500

On October 26, 2022, Immigration Refugees Citizenship Canada’s (IRCCs) held another All-Program Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker Program Draw #234  issuing 4,750 candidates an Invitation to Apply (ITA), with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 496. As this was a Federal Skilled Worker All-Program draw, candidates were selected from both the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Draw Results

The minimum CRS to receive an ITA for this draw was four points lower than the previous draw that occurred on October 12th where the CRS Score was 500. The October 12th draw issued only 3,750 ITA’s. The good news is IRCC is increasing its number of ITA’s for each of the draws and the CRS score continues to drop.

CRS Score Distribution as of October 24, 2022

As of October 24, 2022, there are 234,981 express entry applicants in the pool. The number of candidates in the pool have nearly doubled since December 2020, with approximately 147,000 candidates. The majority of applicants (69,192) have CRS scores between 300 to 400 and the next highest number are applicants with scores between 401-450 (58,249).

Predictions

It follows that the next few draws will select applicants within the score range of 451-500. This is exactly what happened during the current draw. As scores continue to drop, it is predicted that CRS scores chosen for ITA’s will continue to drop as applicants are chosen within this score range.

 

This is also supported by the fact that ITA’s continue to rise as previous rounds indicate. If we review the recent draws, the following figures are presented:

 

  • October 12, 2022 – All Program Draw – 4,250 ITA’s for CRS 500
  • September 28, 2022 – All Program Draw – 3,750 ITA’s for CRS 504
  • September 14, 2022 – All Program Draw – 3,250 ITA’s for CRS 510
  • August 31, 2022 – All Program Draw – 2,750 ITA’s for CRS 516
  • August 17, 2022 – All Program Draw – 2,250 ITA’s for CRS 525
  • August 3, 2022 – All Program Draw – 2,000 ITA’s for CRS 533
  • July 20, 2022 – All Program Draw – 1,750 ITA’s for CRS 542
  • July 6, 2022 – All Program Draw – 1,500 ITA’s for CRS 557

What this shows is historically over the last few draws since July 6th, the CRS scores have dropped between 10-15 points and the ITA’s have increased between 250 to 500 additional each time.

What is Express Entry?

The Express Entry System is an online application management system that aims to ensure faster processing and better economic outcomes for permanent residence to Canada under both federal and certain provincial programs. If you receive a PNP invitation, an additional 600 points will be added to your express entry profile. If you have Canadian experience, you will also receive additional points, as well as if you have knowledge of the French language, which can afford you an additional 50 points.

Eligibility for Express Entry

In order to be eligible for one of the Express Entry programs, you must check whether you meet the requirements based on several selection factors. You must score a minimum of 67 points out of a possible 100.

The factors include:

  • Education
  • Age
  • Work Experience
  • Language Proficiency
  • Family Members in Canada
  • Job Offer in Canada

Once you are deemed eligible to apply, you may submit your online express entry profile. Once you create your profile, you will be put into a pool with other express entry candidates. In order be chosen from the pool and receive an invitation to apply, you need to have one of the highest-ranking scores. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the points-based system uses to score your profile. Your CRS score will be based on the points you receive in specific criteria. If you are invited, you can apply for permanent residence.

How to Increase Your Points

Applicants who have less than competitive may increase their points through a job offer. Although a job offer in Canada may be difficult for a foreign worker, there are many skilled occupations that currently have a labour shortage in Canada.

In addition, francophone speakers have an added advantage to earn extra points on their CRS score. In addition, as of October 27th, French speaking candidates are now awarded an additional 25 points, and if you are bilingual, you are eligible for an additional 50 points. In addition, several provinces have pathways specifically targeting French speakers with either increased points or specifically targeted draws such as SaskatchewanNova Scotia, and Ontario.

If you should have any questions or need more information about Express Entry and whether you may qualify, please complete our online assessment. You can also visit our Law Firm’s website at www.poonahimmigrationlaw.com, or call us at (678) 978-5848.