Express Entry Draw 238 | 5,500 Invited Through All-Programs
A surprise Canadian Express Entry draw was just held, marking the second draw of 2023. Express Entry 238 saw a CRS score of 490 and invited 5,500 candidates to apply.
Express Entry Draw 238
Date of Draw: January 18th, 2023
Number of Invitations Issued: 5,500
Minimum CRS: 490
Program Specified: Non-specified
Tie-breaking rule: November 24, 2022 21:14:59 UTC
Do you qualify for Express Entry? Find out for free!Latest Draw CRS Score Dips to 490
IRCC just held a surprise Express Entry draw, making it the second draw in two consecutive weeks. Express Entry draw 238 issued 5,500 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) of 490. There was no program specified for the draw, meaning that invitations were issued to candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
January 18th’s draw was the second draw of 2023 and the second consecutive draw following January 11th’s draw. Draws are typically held bi-weekly on Wednesday afternoons. Today’s draw also saw the CRS score dropping 17 points from 507 in last weeks draw to 490 in today’s draw. This is the second draw of 2o22 and the second since a brief five week pause at the end of 2022. As of now, the IRCC has not yet provided a reason as to why there was a pause in draws over this period.
There were also 5,500 ITA’s issued in the most recent draw, which is the second in a row to invite 5,500 candidates. These have been the largest all-program Express Entry draw since draws resumed last July.
Today’s draw also marks one of the quickest yearly starts to Express Entry with 11,000 Express Entry candidates invited already this year. This fast start to Express Entry draws for the new year, demonstrates the IRCCs desire to get more skilled immigrants in Canada this year. The addition of 5,500 more ITA’s in today’s draw makes this the fastest ever start to Express Entry since it was launched in 2015 and surpasses January 2021’s record of 10,000 ITAs.
New 2023-2025 Immigration Targets
Critical labour market shortages have led many to turn to immigration as a path forward in addressing these severe shortages. The 2023-2025 plan embraces immigration as a strategy to help businesses find workers. It also aims to attract the skills required to fill key sectors, such as health care, skilled trades, manufacturing and technology. This will help to manage the social and economic challenges facing Canada in the decades ahead.
Over the next three years, Canada will increase the number of new immigrants to the country each year. Canada will aim to welcome 465,000 new immigrants in 2023. The target will rise to 485,000 new immigrants in 2024. And it will again rise in 2025 to 500,000 new immigrants. Express Entry draws will be critical to help reach these targets and welcome newcomers across the country.
The new plan also aims to increase regional programs to address targeted local labour market needs, through the Provincial Nominee Program, the Atlantic Immigration Program, and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.
In 2022, Express Entry held 23 draws and issued 46,538 ITAs for the year. This includes the first half of the year which only held PNP draws all-program draws were closed.
What is Express Entry and How Can I Apply?
Express Entry is a system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for Canadian permanent residency. Express Entry uses a point-based system, the CRS, to rank candidates’ profiles. The system manages three main programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW);
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST); and
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Applying to Express Entry is a two-step procedure. The first step is to submit your profile with the required documents. Required documents usually consist of language test results, educational credentials and passport or travel documentation.
After you submit a profile and receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence, you can submit your complete application for the IRCC to review. Your complete application should include supporting documents such as reference letters, additional identity documents, police clearance certificates, and results of a medical examination.
Interested in learning more about your options to enter the Express Entry pool? Complete our free online assessment form today!
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