Express Entry Draw 241 | 699 PNP Candidates Invited

The latest Canadian Express Entry draw was just held on February 15, 2023. Express Entry 241 saw a CRS score of 791 and invited 699 PNP candidates to apply. 

Express Entry Draw 241

Date of Draw: February 15th, 2023

Number of Invitations Issued: 699

Minimum CRS: 791

Program Specified: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Only

Tie-breaking rule: February 08, 2023, at 18:09:01 UTC

Second PNP Specific Draw of the Year

The fifth Express Entry draw of the year was just held. Express Entry draw 241 issued 699 Invitations to Apply (ITA)  to PNP candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) of 791. This was the third program-specific draw since July 2022 following the February 1st and 2nd draws. Until recently, draws for typically been for all-program draws. In an all-program draws, candidates can be invited from any of the three economic programs managed by Express Entry without needing a Provincial Nomination.

Express Entry has seen a unique start to the year so far. Draws had been paused for 11 weeks from the end of November 2022 to early January 2023, likely due to an IT system glitch. Draws usually have been taking place bi-weekly on Wednesday afternoons. However, the first draw of the year on January 11th was followed a week later by the second draw on January 18th. The third draw did take place as anticipated two weeks later, however, was unique in that it was the first non-all-program draw since July 2o22. The subsequent draw after that was announced the next day on Thursday and was also significant as it was the first Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) only draw to be held since the IRCC began conducting draws in 2015.  

Today’s draw marks the second PNP-targeted draw to be held this year. This means that candidates in today’s draw have already received a Provincial Nomination. Nearly all provinces and territories have PNPs that align with Express Entry, the exceptions being Quebec and Nunavut. A PNP nomination grants an additional 600 points to the applicant’s CRS score. Today’s score cut-off of 791 means that applicants needed a minimum score of 191 before receiving their  PNP nomination in order to be eligible.

Current CRS Score Distribution of Express Entry Candidates

Express Entry Gearing Up for Changes

The IRCC has been working to create draw categories since Bill C-19 received royal assent back in June. This will be a big shift from the way Express Entry draws are currently held. Currently, only the top-ranking candidates in the entire Express Entry pool receive an ITA. Targeted draws by category would also allow the government to better fill specific labour shortages and target those with in-demand skills.

Currently, it has yet to be announced exactly what these categories are or more details on how exactly these draws will take place. The minister of immigration is expected to announce these categories before invitations are issued.

While the categories have not been announced, it is likely that they will be based on a candidate’s qualities such as education, occupation, work experience or language ability. This will better allow the government to target those with skills that are most urgent in Canada. This also means that applicants who may not have a top CRS score compared to the entire Express Entry pool will have a better chance of being selected if they have qualities that are targeted by these draws.

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!