Express Entry Draw on 29 March 2023- IRCC reduces CRS score to 481 points
On March 29, 2022, the IRCC conducted a new Express Entry draw, i.e. the second one within a week. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement dropped to just 481 points in this draw, which the lowest this year until date.
This latest EE draw was an all-program draw, which means that the applicants from all three economic immigration programs managed under the Express Entry system were eligible to get the ITA for Canadian PR visa. These programs are:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
A total of 7,000 candidates received ITAs in the latest draw, which is the same number as the previous two draws held on March 15, and March 23, 2023.
Express Entry Draw- 29 March 2023
- Number of Invitations Issued: 7,000
- Minimum CRS Score Requirement: 481
- Program Specified: All Programs
- Tie-breaking rule: February 14, 2023 07:35:00 UTC
This move by IRCC to drop the CRS score requirement is intended to invite significant number of candidates for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) Visa. It is also a reflection of government's commitment to accept increased number of immigrants to Canada to help drive economic growth and meet the country's labour market requirements.
Express Entry system
Federal Express Entry system is an immigration program run by the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage applications for permanent residence from the foreign skilled workers who wish to immigrate to Canada on PR visa. Launched in 2015, it is a point-based program that allows eligible skilled workers to submit an online profile, which is subsequently, ranked based on some key factors, i.e. age, language proficiency, education, work experience, and other factors.
The candidates who score high enough points are then invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada.