The month kicked off with the first general draw on March 12, where a total of 2,850 candidates received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) with a CRS cutoff of 525 points. This marked one of the lowest draw scores of the year at that time, reflecting Canada's ongoing efforts to attract skilled immigrants from all over the world. However, what followed was unexpected—a Monday draw on March 25, issuing 1,980 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 524 points, making it one of the lowest cut-off CRS scores of the year.

Interestingly, while the cutoff scores decreased, the number of invitations issued saw a drop from the previous draw. This fluctuation indicates the dynamic nature of Canada's immigration system, where various factors can influence the selection process. Moreover, March 13 witnessed a category-based draw targeting Express Entry candidates in transport occupations. This draw, a rarity since December 2023, required a lower CRS score of 430 points, inviting 2,645 candidates. Such targeted draws highlight Canada's strategic approach to addressing specific labor market needs while maintaining the overall integrity of the Express Entry system.

Throughout March, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continued to demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness in its immigration policies. By conducting both general and category-based draws, IRCC ensures a balanced approach to immigration, catering to diverse skill sets and industry demands.

For candidates awaiting ITAs, it's essential to remain vigilant, as notifications can take up to 24 hours to arrive. Regularly checking communication channels is advised to ensure timely responses to invitations.

A chart depicting the CRS cut-off scores for the last 10 EE draws

Source: Owlspriority Immigration internal, IRCC

The chart illustrates a noticeable pattern in the recent Express Entry draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and this trend has been received with enthusiasm. There has been a decrease in the cut-off Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, in each separate category, resulting in a higher number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) being issued to eligible candidates. This adjustment has been made to ensure that IRCC achieves its multi-year immigration target for 2024-26, aiming to welcome over 485,000 new immigrants by the end of 2024.

What is Express Entry (EE) and how does it work?

Express Entry is an electronic selection system used by the Federal as well as Provincial governments of Canada [to select], as well as designated Canadian employers [to nominate] candidates for Canadian permanent residence under three of its popular economic [skilled] immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC),

• Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC),

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Candidates eligible for any of the above programs are given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the Express Entry Pool. It is based on their Core/Human capital factors such as age, work experience, education, and language ability in English and/or French, etc. And, based on scores, candidates are periodically invited (or nominated) for permanent residence.

Check if you qualify for Express Entry. Check out our Settlement Resources to learn about finding employment in Canada, making your initial days stress-free, etc.