Express Entry Draw #227 | 1,750 Invited in All-Program Draw

Canada just held its second all-program Express Entry draw since resuming after a nearly 19-month hiatus. The latest Express Entry draw has invited candidates with a CRS score of 542 or higher.

Draw Number: 227
Date of Draw: July 20, 2022
Number of Invitations Issued: 
Minimum CRS: 542
Program Specified: Non-specified
Tie-breaking rule: December 30, 2021

Will the CRS cut-off decrease?

Because of the high volume of candidates in the pool, the CRS cut-off for Canada’s all-program Express Entry draws is likely to remain high for about six months.

However, in the first quarter of 2023, Canada will begin inviting candidates based on groupings, which will likely result in a much lower CRS cut-off.

Canada recently passed Bill C-19, which will allow the immigration minister to invite candidates based on groupings rather than CRS score only.

Groupings may include a combination of work experience in an in-demand occupation or set of occupations, language proficiency, and educational background. Because candidates will be ranked against others in their grouping rather than the entire Express Entry pool, the CRS cut-off is likely to be much lower than in a general draw.

Before beginning targeted draws, the immigration minister must go through a thorough consultation process. The minister is obligated to consult with multiple stakeholders before choosing the groupings that will be invited. This process will ensure that groupings are selected fairly and based on genuine labour market and demographic need across Canadian communities. According to IRCC, draws based on groupings will likely begin in the first quarter of 2023.

Should I enter the Express Entry pool now?

Even if your CRS score is below 500, it is still a good idea to enter the Express Entry pool.

One of the main reasons to enter the Express Entry pool 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 that help to fill labour market or demographic needs. These programs often invite eligible candidates directly from the Express Entry pool. That means, just by having a profile in the Express Entry pool, you have the chance of receiving an invitation from a PNP.

When is the next Express Entry draw expected?

According to an internal IRCC memo, all-program Express Entry draws can be expected every two weeks. Following this schedule, the next anticipated all-program Express Entry draw will be August 3, 2022.

Interested in learning more about your options to enter the Express Entry pool? Complete our free online assessment form today!