Express Entry Draw 231 | 3,250 Invited Through All Programs

The CRS in Express Entry Draw # 231 has decreased by 6 points. The CRS score in the latest draw on Wednesday was 510. A total of 3,250 Invitations To Apply (ITA) were issued which followed the trends we have seen in other draws. 

Express Entry Draw 231

Date of Draw: September 14, 2022

Number of Invitations Issued: 3,250

Minimum CRS:  510

Program Specified: Non-specified

Tie-breaking rule: January 08, 2022 at 10:24:52 UTC

Update: The IRCC originally released 511 as the cut-off score for the 231st draw. Later that number was adjusted to 510 meaning that applicants with scores of 510 and above received their ITA.

Canada has issued 3,250 Invitations to Apply (ITA) in its largest all-program Express Entry draw of the year. Express Entry draws resumed in July after taking a 19-month hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The September draw saw a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 510 points. This was 6 points lower than the previous draw on August 31.

The Number of ITA’s on the Rise

In the 2 months since all program draws have resumed, over 10,000 candidates have been issued an ITA. With immigration targets on track to be met or exceeded by the end of 2022, the number of ITAs are expected to continue to grow.

The number of candidates invited has been increasing each draw while the CRS cut-off score has been steadily decreasing as the backlog of applicants in the system is being processed. The most recent draw saw a 6-point decrease from 516 to 510 in the previous draw. Express Entry Draw 231 saw an additional 3,250 applicants issued ITAs.

CRS Cut-Off Score Gradually Decreasing

Similarly to previous Express Entry draws, the CRS score is continuing to gradually decrease since resuming all-program draws on July 6th. Beginning in the first quarter of 2023, Canada will begin inviting candidates based on groupings.

Bill C-19, which was announced earlier this year, will allow the immigration minister to invite candidates based on groupings rather than based only on CRS scores. Groupings could include a combination of work experience with in-demand occupations or a set of occupations, language proficiency, and educational background. Because candidates will be ranked against others in their grouping rather than the whole Express Entry pool, the CRS cut-off is likely to be significantly lower compared to the general draws that we have been seeing recently. 

CRS Cut-Off Score Progression

Why Enter the Express Entry Pool Now?

Even if your CRS score is below 510, it is still a good idea to enter the Express Entry pool. 

While there is still a substantial backlog of applications, the IRCC announced that new applications should have returned to the service standard. The service standard for Express Entry is within 6 months.

One of the main reasons to enter the Express Entry pool now is increased visibility to Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). PNPs have become an increasingly popular immigration pathway. Over the next three years, more candidates are expected to immigrate through PNPs than all Federal High Skilled Worker programs combined (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades).

Provinces often use the Express Entry system to scan for candidates to meet specific labour market or demographic needs. These programs often invite eligible candidates directly from the Express Entry pool. That means, that just by having a profile in the Express Entry pool, you have the opportunity to receive an invitation from a PNP.

When Will the Next Express Entry Draw Be?

The IRCC states that all program Express Entry draws will continue to be held on a bi-weekly basis. Following this schedule, the next anticipated all-program Express Entry draw will be September 27th, 2022. 

Interested in learning more about your options to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry system? Complete our free online assessment today for a full evaluation of your immigration options!