Express Entry Draw 245 | Another 7000 Invited in All-Program Draw

The latest Canadian Express Entry draw was just held. Express Entry draw 245 saw a CRS score of 481 and invited 7,000 candidates from all programs to apply.

Express Entry Draw 245

Date of Draw:  March 29, 2023

Number of Invitations Issued: 7,000

Minimum CRS: 481

Program Specified: Non-specified

Tie-breaking rule: February 14, 2023 07:35:00 UTC

21,000 Candidates Invited in March

The ninth Express Entry draw of the year was just held. Express Entry draw 245 issued 7,000 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) of 481. 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).

The last 3 draws all tie for the largest all-program draws inviting 7,000 applicants in all three draws. The CRS score has also dropped significantly in these recent draws, due to the whopping 21,000 candidates that have been invited to apply recently. The increased number of draws speaks to the IRCCs dedication to reaching this years increased immigration goals and determination to keep breaking Express Entry draw records.

Express Entry draws have had an unusual pattern this year. Draws typically have been taking place bi-weekly on Wednesday afternoons. However, the the last 3 draws have all taken place weekly and last weeks draw, took place on a Thursday morning. The third draw of the year was the first non-all-program draw since July 2022. The subsequent draw after that 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 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!