Express Entry Draw 259 | 2,000 Invited in All-Program Draw
The latest Canadian Express Entry draw was just held. Express Entry draw 259 saw a CRS score of 517 and invited 2000 candidates from all programs to apply.
Express Entry Draw 259
Date of Draw: August 1, 2023
Number of Invitations Issued: 2,000
Minimum CRS: 517
Program Specified: Non-specified
Tie-breaking rule:June 30, 2023 at 11:45:05 UTC
First Express Entry Draw of August
Express Entry draw 259 issued 2,000 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) of 517. 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 is the first one of August. However, July saw a higher-than-average number of draws for the month. The last all-program draw was on July 11th where the CRS score was 505, 12 points lower compared to today’s draw. More ITAs were also issued in today’s draw with 2,000 being invited compared to two weeks ago, with only 800 candidates being invited to apply.
Compared to the category-specific draws that have taken place this month, all-program draws have had a higher CRS cut-off score in the most recent draws. Today’s cut-off score of 517 was 142 points higher than the last category-specific draw on July 12th for French speakers.
Since the first category-specific draw just one month ago, a total of five category-based draws have now taken place. Draws for STEM occupations, healthcare occupations, and French speakers have all taken place in the past few weeks. Combined, they have invited a total of 8,600 candidates combined. So far, the largest category has been for Francophones. A total of 6,100 candidates have been invited to apply in the French language draws.
It was also announced today that a category-specific draw will take place this week for those with experience in the trades. This draw will focus on candidates with trade expertise, which includes carpentry, plumbing, and welding. This will help Canada’s construction sector attract the skilled talent it needs across the country.
Who Makes Up the Current Express Entry Pool?
The IRCC updates the number of people in the Express Entry pool a few days before an invitation round takes place. Numbers change as new profiles are submitted, profiles expire or are issued an ITA.
As of today the composition of the Express Entry pool is:
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| 601-1200 | 258 |
| 501-600 | 14,031 |
| 451-500 | 71,680 |
| 491-500 | 13,321 |
| 481-490 | 12,678 |
| 471-480 | 15,415 |
| 461-470 | 15,099 |
| 451-460 | 15,167 |
| 401-450 | 65,868 |
| 441-450 | 14,334 |
| 431-440 | 14,481 |
| 421-430 | 12,746 |
| 411-420 | 12,511 |
| 401-410 | 11,796 |
| 351-400 | 53,727 |
| 301-350 | 18,694 |
| 0-300 | 8,276 |
| Total | 232,534 |
| Updated | March 5, 2026 |
What Are Category-Based Draws?
Category-based selections will allow Canada to issue invitations to apply (ITAs) to prospective applications with specific skills, training or language abilities. This allows for the selection of applicants with the most in-demand skills to be chosen to receive permanent residence in Canada.
This year, the focus will be on Express Entry Candidates who have a strong French-language proficiency or experience in one of the following fields:
- Healthcare
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- Trades such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors
- Transport
- Agriculture and agri-food
A full list of the 82 eligible professions and their eligibility can be found on the IRCC’s dedicated webpage.
To benefit, applicants must demonstrate that they have at least 6 months of work experience in the last 3 years in a qualifying occupation. Further information about individual categories and how to apply will be announced in the coming weeks.
The IRCC will still continue to hold all-program draws like today’s draw and program-specific draws as needed in addition to category-based draws.
What Is Express Entry & 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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