Canada sent out 1,325 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in an all-program targeted event for the Express Entry lottery that took place on December 18. With a minimum score of 542 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for this draw, it was 19 points lower than the previous general draw.
An occupation-specific round for workers in STEM fields was held on December 8 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) prior to this draw. 5,900 invites were sent out in this draw, with a 481-point minimum CRS score.
After more than a month without a draw, the December 18 draw was the fourth Express Entry draw of the month. On December 6, the final all-program draw took place, resulting in 4,750 ITAs and the lowest CRS score of 561.
What is the CRS?
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system used by the Canadian government to assess and score candidates in the Express Entry pool. The CRS score determines a candidate’s rank, with higher scores increasing the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Why the CRS Dropped Matters
When the CRS scores drop, it opens up opportunities for a larger pool of candidates. This means that individuals who previously fell short of the required score can now receive an ITA. The recent CRS dropped significantly, making it a favorable time for those who have been patiently waiting for their chance to apply through Express Entry.
Increased Invitations
With the CRS dropped, the number of ITAs issued through Express Entry has surged. This increase is a direct result of the lowered score threshold, allowing more candidates to qualify. This change is particularly beneficial for individuals with moderate CRS scores who may have been overlooked in previous rounds.
Broader Applicant Pool
The drop in CRS scores has also diversified the applicant pool. Candidates from various professional backgrounds and with varying levels of work experience now have a better shot at receiving an ITA. This inclusivity enhances the overall quality and diversity of the immigration process.
Canada has conducted a few draws in 2023 that cover a range of categories:
19 all-program draws
Five Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws
Six draws targeting French speakers
Three draws focusing on healthcare occupations
Two draws specifically for STEM occupations
One draw for skilled trades
One draw for Federal Skilled Worker candidates
One draw for transport jobs
One draw for agriculture and agri-food occupations.
Compared to the 45,115 individuals invited in total throughout 2022, the IRCC has issued 108,196 ITAs as of 2023. Candidates from the Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program received a record-breaking 114,431 ITAs in 2021, beating the previous record set in 2020.
Canada’s record immigration target of 465,000 for 2023 reflects the country’s ongoing attempts to draw in talented workers to add to its varied labor pool.
On November 06, 2023, at 14:40:23 UTC, the tie-breaking rule for the December 18 draw was put into effect. Invitations were sent exclusively to candidates who filed their Express Entry profiles before this day and time, even in situations where multiple candidates met the minimal CRS score.
This draw was the 275th overall and the 39th round of invites under Express Entry for 2023. The 60-day application window for successful candidates has been extended, and processing is anticipated to take place in the typical six-month period.
