The Migration Station

Canada Immigration

CICC - College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants

Express Entry Immigration Draws – Canada

Express Entry is an online application management system which aims to ensure faster processing and better economic outcomes for permanent residence to Canada under federal and certain provincial programs.

How Does Express Entry Work?

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will submit a profile in the Express Entry pool, known as an Expression of Interest (EOI)

1

Create an Express Entry Profile

Submit your profile with information about your skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other details.

2

Submit to the Express Entry Pool

Your profile enters the pool where candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

3

Receive an Invitation to Apply

Top-ranking candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence during regular draws.

4

Apply for Permanent Residence

Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your complete application for permanent residence.

Express Entry Draws

Track the latest Express Entry draws with CRS cut-off scores, ITAs issued, and draw categories.

Draw #CRS ScoreDateITAs IssuedCategory
#298663June 19, 20241,499Provincial nominees only
#297522May 31, 20243,000Canadian Experience Class only
#296676May 30, 20242,985Provincial nominees only
#295410April 24, 20241,400French language proficiency only
#294529April 23, 20242,095General
#293491April 11, 20244,500STEM occupations only
#292549April 10, 20241,280General
#291338March 26, 20241,500French language proficiency only
#290524March 25, 20241,980General
#289430March 13, 2024975Transport occupations only
#288525March 12, 20242,850General
#287336February 29, 20242,500French language proficiency only
#286534February 28, 20241,470General
#285437February 16, 2024150Agriculture and Agri-Food occupations only
#284422February 14, 20243,500Healthcare occupations only
#283535February 13, 20241,490General
#282365February 1, 20247,000French language proficiency only
#281541January 31, 2024730General
#280543January 23, 20241,040General
#279546January 10, 20241,510General

Express Entry Programs

There are three main programs managed through Express Entry:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

For skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently.

  • Skilled work experience
  • Language proficiency
  • Education credentials

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

For skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade.

  • Skilled trade certification
  • Work experience
  • Job offer or certificate

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

For skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents.

  • Canadian work experience
  • Language proficiency
  • Plan to live outside Quebec

CRS Score Factors

Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is based on several factors:

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score.

Age110 pts
Education150 pts
Language Proficiency160 pts
Canadian Work Experience80 pts
Spouse/Partner Factors40 pts
Skill Transferability100 pts
Additional Points600 pts

Draw Categories

IRCC conducts different types of draws targeting specific candidates:

General

All eligible Express Entry candidates

Provincial Nominee Program

Candidates with provincial nomination

Canadian Experience Class

Candidates with Canadian work experience

French Language Proficiency

Candidates with strong French skills

STEM Occupations

Science, Technology, Engineering, Math professionals

Healthcare Occupations

Healthcare workers and professionals

Trade Occupations

Skilled trades workers

Transport Occupations

Transportation sector workers

Agriculture and Agri-Food

Agriculture sector workers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good CRS score for Express Entry?
A good CRS score varies depending on the draw type. General draws typically have cut-offs between 450-550, while category-based draws can be lower. Provincial Nominee Program draws have higher cut-offs (700+) because PNP adds 600 points.
How often are Express Entry draws held?
Express Entry draws are typically held every two weeks, though the frequency can vary. IRCC may hold multiple draws in a week, especially for category-based draws targeting specific occupations or French speakers.
How can I improve my CRS score?
You can improve your CRS score by: improving language test scores (IELTS/CELPIP), getting an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), gaining more work experience, getting a provincial nomination (+600 points), or getting a valid job offer.
What happens after I receive an ITA?
After receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you have 60 days to submit your complete permanent residence application with all required documents, fees, and proof of the information in your profile.
Can I apply without a job offer?
Yes, a job offer is not mandatory for Express Entry. However, a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can add 50-200 points to your CRS score depending on the NOC category.

Check Your Express Entry Eligibility

Not sure if you qualify for Express Entry? Our immigration experts can assess your profile, calculate your CRS score, and recommend the best pathway for your Canada immigration goals.

Get Free Assessment