Federal Express Entry Draw #237 – January 11, 2023 and #238 – January 18, 2023

Immigration Refugees Citizenship Canada’s (IRCCs) has held two All-Program Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker Program Draws for 2023. On January 11, 2023, Draw #237 issued 5,500 candidates an Invitation to Apply (ITA), with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 507. Then, one week later, on January 18, 2023, Draw #238 issued 5,500 ITA’s to candidates with a CRS score of 490.

As this was a Federal Skilled Worker All-Program draw, candidates were selected from both the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Draw Results

In 2022, we saw the minimum CRS to receive an ITA for Federal Express Entry draws range between 491-557. For the draws in January IRCC decreased the timing between the two draws from the typical two weeks to only one week, and also increased the number of ITA’s for both draws. Not only is this the shortest period between two draws, but it is also the highest number of ITA’s (11,000) in just two weeks.

PNP Draw on February 1, 2023

On February 1, 2023, IRCC conducted draw #239, a PNP only draw with a total of 893 ITA’s with candidates with a CRS score of 733.

CRS Score Distribution as of February 1, 2023

As of February 1, 2023, there are 239,145 express entry applicants in the pool. The majority of candidates (70,484) with CRS scores between 351 to 400, followed by 64,382 candidates with CRS scores between 451-500 and 59,921 with scores between 401-450.

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 Saskatchewan, Nova 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.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact us via email at info@poonahimmigrationlaw.com for further information.