Express Entry: 5,500 Invited to Apply for Canada PR

Another round of invitations held under the Express Entry system. This is the second draw to be held this year. 

On January 18, 2023, Canada issued 5,500 invitations to apply to Canadian immigration hopefuls that had their profile in the online application management system referred to as Express Entry. 

A total of 46,539 invitations were issued in 2022 under the Express Entry system. 

Who was invited in the latest Express Entry draw?

Express Entry candidates that received an invitation in the latest Express Entry round were those with a - 

• Ranking score at least 490 as per the Comprehensive Ranking System, and
• Profile created before November 24, 2022 21:14:59 UTC. 

Why is a tie-breaking rule applied by IRCC to Express Entry draws?

Generally, a tie-breaking rule is applied by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Through this, IRCC prioritizes profiles created earlier over those that were entered in the IRCC pool at a later date. 

What is Canada Express Entry?

From 2015, IRCC has been using an online system - Express Entry - to manage Canadian permanent residence applications received from skilled foreign workers. 

Which programs come under Express Entry of Canada? What’s the difference?

There are 3 Canadian immigration programs managed through Express Entry - 

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program, for skilled workers that have the required foreign work experience. Other eligibility criteria also must be fulfilled.
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program for skilled workers that are qualified in a skilled trade. A Certificate of Qualification or a valid job offer in Canada will be required.  
3. Canadian Experience Class, for skilled foreign workers that have previous as well as recent Canadian work experience.

How to guarantee an Express Entry ITA?

A nomination from a provincial or territorial government under the Provincial Nominee Program is worth CRS 600. This is as per the “additional points” of the Comprehensive Ranking System criteria. 

To be considered by a specific province or territory for a nomination, you will have to mention your interest in your Express Entry profile itself. You can either express interest in PNP at the time of profile creation or update it later. 

Generally, you will also have to register with the specific PNP as well. With the exception of Quebec and Nunavut, all other provinces and territories run their own PNP. 

How to apply for Canada Express Entry?

First of all, you must find out your eligibility to immigrate to Canada by Express Entry. An Initial Evaluation Report will give you a clear idea. 

Begin by creating your Express Entry profile online. You will need an ECA Report if applying under FSWP. You will also have to submit scores for IELTS or CELPIP as proof of your ability in the English language. 

You must secure 67 points on the Canada skilled immigration eligibility calculator. Once you have created your profile, you must find out if your CRS score is competitive enough. Any score above CRS 500 is generally considered to be good. The minimum score cut-off was CRS 490 in the latest Express Entry Draw #238 held on January 18, 2023. 

Get all your documents together. You will be allotted 60 days to apply once you get an invitation to apply from the federal Government of Canada. ITAs are issued by IRCC in Express Entry draws. 

Moving abroad is exciting, yet sometimes the visa process can be very confusing. To know more about Canada PR pathways, get in touch. 

Free consultation provided.