Express Entry Draw 244 | Surprise All-Program Draw

An unexpected Canadian Express Entry draw was just held. Express Entry draw 244 saw a CRS score of 484 and invited 7,000 candidates from all programs to apply.

Express Entry Draw 244

Date of Draw:  March 23, 2023

Number of Invitations Issued: 7,000

Minimum CRS: 484

Program Specified: Non-specified

Tie-breaking rule:  May 19, 2022, 06:48:41 UTC

Lowest All-Program CRS Score Since December 2020

The eighth Express Entry draw of the year was just held. Express Entry draw 244 issued 7,000 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) of 484. 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).

Today’s draw was unexpected because it is the second consecutive week the IRCC held an Express Entry draw. Typically draws take place bi-weekly and usually on Wednesday afternoons. Today’s draw also ties in with last week’s draw for the largest all-program draw inviting 7,000 applicants in both draws. This is only second to the record-breaking CEC-only draw that took place in February 2021. This is also the lowest all-program CRS score since December 2020, due in large part to the Covid-19 pandemic and pause to all-program draws. Most recent CRS scores have 490 or higher.

Express Entry draws have had an unusual pattern of draws so far this year. 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 a 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 2022. 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. Following that there were a number of PNP-only draws. Today’s draw continues that unusual pattern of having 2 consecutive all-program draws with such a large number of applicants.

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!