I. Introduction to Express Entry & Draws
Express Entry Overview: Express Entry is Canada’s flagship online system for managing skilled worker immigration applications. As Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) explains, “Express Entry is Canada’s flagship application management system for those seeking to immigrate permanently through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program”. In other words, candidates in these programs create an online profile and join the Express Entry pool of candidates. Each profile is assigned points based on human capital factors, and this points-based ranking is central to how Express Entry selects immigrants.
What is an Express Entry Draw? Periodically (approximately every two weeks), IRCC selects the highest-ranking candidates from the pool and invites them to apply for permanent residence. IRCC describes that “about every 2 weeks, we invite the top candidates in the pool to apply for permanent residence during rounds of invitations”. These selection events are commonly called Express Entry draws (officially “rounds of invitations”). The purpose of a draw is to issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to the top-ranked candidates, allowing Canada to meet its immigration targets by bringing in skilled workers from the pool. In each draw, a cut-off score is set: all candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score above or equal to that cut-off receive an ITA. Draws continue throughout the year, ensuring Canada can regularly invite newcomers to fill economic and labor market needs in a transparent, merit-based way. This process can be daunting for applicants, and IRCC recognizes the importance of clear communication and fairness in each round, as we’ll explore below.
II. The Express Entry Pool & CRS Score
Entering the Pool: To enter the Express Entry pool, an eligible candidate must complete an online Express Entry profile. This profile includes details like age, education, work experience, language test results, and more. Once submitted and deemed eligible under one of the three federal programs (FSWP, FSTP, CEC), the profile is placed in the pool of candidates. All profiles in the pool are then ranked against each other using a points system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
The Comprehensive Ranking System: The CRS is a point-based system that scores each candidate out of 1200 points. According to IRCC, “The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the backbone of the [Express Entry] application management system. A CRS score comprises two components: core points and additional points. … The maximum CRS score a candidate can achieve is capped at 1,200 points – 600 points under the core component and a maximum of 600 points under the additional points component.”. The core points account for up to 600 points and reflect a candidate’s human capital factors: things like age, level of education, language proficiency in English and/or French, and skilled work experience. If the candidate has a spouse or common-law partner, the spouse’s characteristics (education, language, work experience) contribute up to 40 of those core points, reducing the principal applicant’s core maximum to 560. These core factors are considered strong indicators of economic potential in Canada.
CRS Score Components: Within the core CRS, key factors include:
- Age: Candidates are awarded more points if they are in the prime working-age range (typically 20s to early 30s). Points start decreasing after age 30, and no core points are given past age 45.
- Education: Higher education credentials earn more points. For example, a Master’s degree or Ph.D. yields more points than a Bachelor’s, which in turn yields more than a high school diploma. If the education is from outside Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required to validate its Canadian equivalency.
- Language Skills: High proficiency in one or both of Canada’s official languages (English and French) is heavily weighted. Language tests (IELTS or CELPIP for English, TEF or TCF for French) are converted to Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). A candidate who scores CLB 9 or higher in all abilities can gain significantly more points than one at CLB 7 or 8.
- Work Experience: Skilled work experience (classified under Canada’s National Occupational Classification skill levels 0, A, or B/TEER 1-3) is rewarded. More years of experience bring more points up to certain limits (generally up to 3 years foreign work, and up to 5 years Canadian work for core points). Canadian work experience is especially valuable in the CRS scoring.
In addition to core factors, there are additional points that can further boost a candidate’s CRS score (the remaining up to 600 points). IRCC’s official criteria list the following additional point categories: “a provincial/territorial nomination (600 points), arranged employment (50 or 200 points), Canadian post-secondary education credentials (15 or 30 points), French-language proficiency (25 or 50 points), or a sibling in Canada (15 points)”. These bonus points recognize extra factors that Canada values, such as a job offer or a provincial nomination (which reflect immediate economic integration prospects), Canadian education (which indicates Canadian experience and credentials), French language ability, or family ties in Canada. A provincial nomination is the single biggest boost, worth 600 points – effectively tipping the CRS score to a maximum and guaranteeing an invitation in an upcoming draw in almost all cases.
2025 Update – Removal of Job Offer Points: It’s important to note that one significant CRS change took effect in 2025. As of March 25, 2025, IRCC “removed job offer points from the Comprehensive Ranking System for current and future candidates in the Express Entry pool”. Prior to this change, a valid job offer could contribute 50 points (for most skilled jobs) or 200 points (for certain senior management jobs, formerly NOC 00 category). IRCC has stated, “We no longer give points for job offers… This includes job offers classified under Major Group 00… (200 points) or in any other skilled occupation (50 points)”. The removal of arranged employment points means candidates with job offers no longer receive an automatic CRS boost. (Notably, having a valid job offer can still be important for meeting eligibility under FSTP or certain PNP streams, but it won’t raise the CRS score itself.) This 2025 policy change shifts the focus even more toward human capital factors and other additional criteria like provincial nominations and language ability.
CRS Calculator: Candidates can estimate their score using the official IRCC CRS calculator tool. IRCC provides an online form where you input your personal factors to get a score. “This tool will help you calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on the answers you provide”. Using the CRS calculator on IRCC’s website is a great way for candidates to understand how their profile scores and whether they might be competitive for an invitation. It’s also useful to see how changes to one’s profile (for example, a higher language test score or an additional degree or diploma) could increase the CRS score.
III. How Express Entry Draws Work
Selection Rounds Process: Express Entry draws (rounds of invitations) are the mechanism by which IRCC selects candidates from the pool to invite. In each round, IRCC sets a specific number of invitations to issue and sometimes a specific program or category to target (more on draw types in the next section). The Express Entry system then automatically ranks candidates by CRS score and issues ITAs to the top-ranking candidates until the set number of invitations is reached. IRCC summarizes this process: for each round, “invitations are issued to candidates who are eligible to be invited in that round, in descending CRS score rank order, until the maximum number of invitations specified… is met. The score of the final invited candidate is published as the ‘cut off’ score for that round.”. This means if the last candidate invited had a CRS of, say, 500 points, the cut-off for that draw is 500. All candidates with 500 or more are invited, and anyone below 500 is not invited in that round.
CRS Cut-off and Transparency: After each draw, IRCC publicly releases the results, including the CRS score of the lowest-ranked candidate invited (the cut-off), the number of invitations issued, the date of the draw, and the specific draw type or program if applicable. This transparency lets candidates see what CRS score they would have needed. It’s important to note that cut-off scores are not fixed – they vary from draw to draw, depending on factors such as the number of candidates in the pool, their CRS scores, and the number of invitations IRCC issues. In periods where no draws occur for a while, the pool can become filled with high-scoring candidates, leading to higher cut-offs when draws resume. Conversely, larger draws or more frequent draws can lower the cut-off by inviting deeper into the pool.
Tie-Breaking Rule: What if multiple candidates have the exact cut-off score? IRCC has a tie-break mechanism to ensure fairness. The tie-breaker is the date and time when a candidate’s profile was submitted to the pool. IRCC notes, “If more than one candidate has the lowest score, the cut-off is based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles.”. In practice, each draw announcement includes a “tie-breaking rule” timestamp. Candidates with the cut-off CRS score who submitted their profile before that timestamp are invited, while those who submitted after are not. This encourages candidates to create and submit their profiles as soon as they are ready, as it can act as a first-come, first-served tiebreaker for those on the bubble of the cut-off.
Frequency of Draws: IRCC generally aims to hold draws approximately every two weeks, but the frequency and timing can vary. There have been periods with draws paused (for example, a months-long pause in 2020 due to the pandemic, or early 2022 when only program-specific draws were held, and a brief pause in late 2023), as well as periods with more frequent draws (in 2023, IRCC sometimes held multiple draws in a single week to meet targets). Typically, however, candidates can expect around 2 draws per month. Each draw’s details are published on IRCC’s website under “Rounds of invitations” to keep the public informed.
What Happens If Invited: Candidates who are selected in a draw receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in their online account (we discuss ITAs in Section VI). Being invited means the candidate can now submit a full application for permanent residence. Those not invited remain in the pool for up to 12 months from the date they submitted their profile. Their profile can be selected in a future draw if their score meets a future cut-off. If 12 months pass without an invitation, the profile expires (at which point the candidate can submit a new profile if still eligible).
In summary, Express Entry draws work like a competitive selection where the highest-scoring candidates get picked first. The system is designed to be dynamic – as candidates improve their scores or new candidates enter the pool, the rankings shift. IRCC uses draws to steadily invite top candidates, whether broadly (all programs) or in a targeted manner, to meet Canada’s immigration goals.
IV. Types of Express Entry Draws
Over time, IRCC has introduced different types of Express Entry draws to meet various policy objectives. Not all draws invite every type of candidate; some are tailored to specific programs or specific attributes. The main types of rounds of invitations are:
- General (All-Program) Draws: These draws invite candidates from all programs managed under Express Entry. In a general round, any candidate in the pool is eligible for consideration, regardless of which of the three federal programs (FSWP, FSTP, CEC) or an Express Entry-aligned PNP they qualify under. As IRCC defines, “General rounds of invitations: In general rounds of invitations, we invite top-ranking candidates in the pool.” In practice, an all-program draw simply takes the highest CRS scores across the entire pool. General draws are the most common type and usually have large numbers of ITAs issued. If you are eligible for at least one Express Entry program and have a competitive CRS score, a general draw is your chance to be selected. (All-program draws were temporarily paused for a while in 2020 – 2022, but they resumed in July 2022 and have been regularly held since.)
- Program-Specific Draws: In these rounds, IRCC limits invitations to candidates of a particular immigration program. “In program-specific rounds of invitations, we invite top-ranking candidates who are eligible for a specific Express Entry program.” For example, IRCC sometimes conducts Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – only draws, where only candidates in the pool with an approved provincial nomination are invited. IRCC explains, “if we’re holding a round specifically for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), we would only invite candidates who are eligible for the PNP.” In the past, IRCC has also held program-specific draws for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC-only draws) and occasionally the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP-only draws). Program-specific draws allow Canada to meet specific targets or address backlogs in a given program. For instance, in early 2021 during the pandemic, IRCC did CEC-only draws (to prioritize those already in Canada) and PNP-only draws, but no FSWP draws until later that year. PNP-specific draws continue to happen periodically – these typically have a high CRS cut-off (since PNP candidates automatically get 600 points) but a smaller number of invitations. Program-specific rounds ensure that, in addition to general high-ranking candidates, Canada can also invite those in certain streams that it wants to prioritize.
- Category-Based Draws: Starting in 2023, IRCC introduced a new type of draw based on specific attributes or categories rather than the immigration program alone. Under new authorities in the law, the immigration minister can establish categories to target candidates with particular skills or characteristics in support of economic goals. In category-based rounds of invitations, “the Minister establishes a category to meet a specific economic goal. We then invite top-ranking candidates in the pool who are eligible for this category.” These categories cut across the programs – meaning you still must be eligible for one of the base programs, but you also must meet the category criteria. Candidates in a category are ranked by CRS among themselves, and the top are invited. Category-based draws began in mid-2023 to address labor market needs and boost French-speaking immigration. “These changes help address labour needs that support an identified economic goal, and strengthen Francophone immigration by inviting candidates with specific work experience or language ability to apply for permanent residence.” In 2023, IRCC established six categories for selection: French-language proficiency, Healthcare occupations, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations, Trade occupations, Agriculture and agri-food occupations, and Education occupations. Several category-specific draws were held for each of these (except education, which was not used in 2023) – for example, draws targeting healthcare workers, or draws inviting only French-speaking candidates (regardless of occupation).Category-based draws have continued into 2024 and 2025, but the specific categories can be updated each year. IRCC engages in consultations and labor market analysis to choose which categories to target. For 2025, the Minister announced a refined set of priority categories: “The 2025 priority categories include: health care occupations, trade occupations, and French-language proficiency.” This suggests that in 2025, IRCC will focus category-based rounds on healthcare professionals, skilled trades workers, and Francophone candidates. Categories not listed as priorities (such as STEM or agriculture) may see fewer or no dedicated draws if those candidates are being picked up sufficiently in general rounds. IRCC notes that category-based rounds are meant to supplement the regular rounds to meet specific economic goals. If, for instance, enough top STEM candidates are already getting ITAs in general draws, IRCC might not run a separate STEM category draw. On the other hand, if certain skills are in shortage (e.g. healthcare workers), a special category draw can ensure those candidates get invited even if their CRS score isn’t among the very highest overall.
It’s worth emphasizing that regardless of draw type, all invited candidates receive ITAs for permanent residence – the difference lies only in how IRCC selects them. General draws cast a wide net purely based on CRS ranking, program-specific draws ensure representation from certain programs, and category-based draws allow targeting by occupations or other attributes. IRCC maintains that it will “continue to invite candidates with a provincial or territorial nomination through general and PNP-specific rounds” even as category-based selection evolves. Therefore, the introduction of categories adds flexibility, but does not eliminate the traditional draws.
CRS Score Trends by Draw Type: Historically, different draw types have different typical CRS cut-offs due to the nature of the candidates:
- All-program draws tend to have mid-range CRS cut-offs (reflecting the top of the entire pool). In 2023, general round cut-offs ranged roughly from the high 400s into the low 500s. In fact, “CRS cut-off scores in 2023 ranged from 481 to 561 for general rounds (median = 496)”. That median around 496 in 2023 indicates how competitive it was for an all-program invitation that year.
- PNP-specific draws, by contrast, always have very high cut-offs because every invited candidate has 600 bonus points. Thus their cut-offs essentially reflect 600 plus whatever the lowest core score of a nominee was. In 2023 PNP-only draws, “scores ranged from 691 to 791… (median = 748)”. Those numbers show that without the 600 point boost, many PNP candidates had core CRS in the 90 – 191 range, but thanks to nominations they are at the top. PNP draws usually invite a few hundred candidates (often under 1,000) at a time and occur separately from general draws.
- Category-based draws’ CRS cut-offs vary by category. For example, in 2023 the French-language category draws had cut-offs in the 370s – 480s (since French-speaking candidates could be invited with somewhat lower scores due to the category focus), while STEM category draws had higher cut-offs (well into the 480s) because many STEM candidates also had high CRS. IRCC’s 2023 year-end data shows the range for each category: e.g. French rounds cut-offs 375 – 486, healthcare rounds 431 – 476, STEM rounds 481 – 486, trades rounds 388 – 425, etc. This reflects that some categories allowed invitations to go to candidates with lower scores than the general draws, achieving the aim of bringing in talent that might otherwise have been passed over due to CRS rank.
In summary, Express Entry draw types have evolved to balance pure merit (CRS rank) with program integrity and targeted economic needs. Candidates should pay attention to the type of draw, as it determines the context of the CRS cut-off. For instance, a CRS score of 480 might miss out in a general draw if the cut-off was 486, but the same score could be invited in a category-based draw for a high-demand occupation. All candidates, however, benefit from maximizing their CRS as much as possible, since even in targeted draws the higher-ranked within the category or program are invited first.
V. Recent Draw Trends & Analysis (up to mid-April 2025)
Record Invitations in 2023: The Express Entry system saw a surge of activity in 2023. After a slow 2022 (when draws were paused for a portion of the year and only 46,539 invitations were issued), IRCC dramatically ramped up invitations in 2023. Over the course of 2023, IRCC held 42 rounds of invitations and issued 110,266 ITAs, “a 136% increase from the 46,539 issued in 2022”. This was an all-time high number of invitations, reflecting Canada’s aggressive immigration targets to address labor shortages and post-pandemic recovery. Draws resumed in July 2022 with all-program rounds, and by 2023 IRCC not only returned to biweekly general draws but also introduced the new category-based draws (starting in late June 2023). The result was more frequent rounds – at some points in mid-2023, draws were happening weekly or even more often (there was one week in July 2023 with back-to-back-to-back draws on consecutive days targeting different categories). The latter half of 2023 saw a mix of general, PNP, and category draws, contributing to the high annual ITA count. Notably, there was a brief pause in draws in November 2023 (no rounds held that month), possibly as IRCC adjusted targets and processed the large volume of applications already in process.
Early 2024 and 2025 Trends: The strong momentum from 2023 carried into 2024 and the first part of 2025. IRCC continues to conduct regular draws to meet its immigration levels goals. In 2024, draws included a combination of all-program rounds and some program-specific or category-specific rounds, similar to late 2023. By mid-April 2025, IRCC had already issued tens of thousands of ITAs, keeping pace toward the ambitious targets set out in the Immigration Levels Plan. (For example, unofficial tallies indicate over 30,000 invitations were sent in the first quarter of 2025 alone.) Draw frequency has remained generally biweekly, though IRCC occasionally alternates draw types – one week a smaller PNP or category draw, the next week a larger all-program draw, etc. Candidates watching the draws in 2024 – 2025 have observed that all-program draw sizes have varied, sometimes around 3,500 invitations, other times larger. The CRS cut-offs in early 2025 all-program draws have been in the 480s – 500 range, indicating the pool remains competitive.
Pool Composition and Scores: IRCC provides snapshots of the Express Entry pool composition, which show how many candidates are in various CRS score ranges at a given time. Generally, at any time there are thousands of candidates in the pool with CRS scores in the high 400s and 500s. When IRCC issues large draws (e.g. 5,000+ ITAs), the cut-off tends to dip lower because it pulls in more candidates. When draws are smaller or paused, the cut-off rises as high-scoring candidates accumulate. As of April 2025, the pool continues to refresh with new candidates and many existing profiles – for instance, those with provincial nominations (600+ points) are constantly being added as provinces nominate people, which is why PNP-only draws often occur to invite them promptly (PNP nominees don’t usually wait long in the pool). IRCC’s data from 2023 showed that after introducing category-based draws, the general round cut-offs actually increased slightly in the second half of 2023 (often above 500). This was because some high-scoring candidates were siphoned into category draws, leaving fewer very high scorers for the general rounds, but also because IRCC managed the sequence of draws to meet specific targets (sometimes holding smaller targeted draws first).
Immigration Levels Plan 2025 – 2027: Canada’s immigration plan for 2025-2027 provides context for Express Entry trends. The plan outlines rising targets for economic immigrants, aiming for steady or increased admissions through Express Entry-managed programs. In fact, the Economic category will represent the largest share of newcomers – projected to reach nearly 62% of total admissions by 2027, with a focus on **“skilled workers with a focus on critical sectors, such as health care and skilled trades”*. Within the economic category, Express Entry draws are a primary tool to select those skilled workers. The plan also indicates a dedication to category-based selection: the government has, for the first time, explicitly included category-based Express Entry invitations as a strategy to meet labor market needs. Footnotes in the Levels Plan specify that “Federal Economic Priorities” admissions include those selected through Express Entry categories like healthcare, trades, and French proficiency. This means we can expect IRCC to continue category-specific draws in those fields to hit the targets for those sectors.
Another stated priority is Francophone immigration (French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec). IRCC has set targets to increase Francophone admissions as a percentage of overall intake – aiming for 8.5% of economic admissions outside Quebec to be French-speaking in 2025. Express Entry’s French-language category draws are a key mechanism to achieve this. Indeed, in 2023, IRCC held six rounds targeting French-language proficiency and issued 8,700 ITAs to Francophone candidates. We can expect similar (or larger) numbers in 2024 and 2025 given the ongoing goal to boost Francophone immigration. This aligns with Ministerial statements that category-based draws are intended not only to address specific job shortages but also to support “Francophone minority communities outside of Quebec”.
Total Invitations and Outlook: By mid-April 2025, Express Entry draws have remained robust. IRCC is likely on track to meet or exceed the number of invitations from 2023 if current pace continues, because the immigration levels plan calls for high admissions through Express Entry.
It’s worth noting that not every ITA results in a permanent residence visa – some invitees do not apply or may be refused – so IRCC often issues more ITAs than the exact admission target to account for attrition. The trend of inviting over 100,000 candidates annually may well continue. For candidates, this is encouraging: there are frequent opportunities to be selected. However, the CRS score needed can fluctuate. In the first quarter of 2025, general draw cut-offs hovered in the high-400s, whereas PNP draws (as always) required 600+ (due to the nomination). Category draws in 2025 targeted French speakers and specific occupations: for example, a March 2025 category-based draw for healthcare workers might have a cut-off around the mid-400s, enabling Canada to invite nurses and doctors who might not rank at the very top of the entire pool but are much needed.
In summary, recent draw trends show high volumes and diversification. IRCC is using a mix of draw types to meet its objectives: continuing large all-program draws to bring in a broad range of skilled workers, while also periodically zeroing in on key groups (PNP nominees, French speakers, health and trades workers, etc.). The CRS score trend remains competitive, but the expansion of categories gives more candidates a chance to be selected through different pathways. Looking ahead in 2025 and beyond, Express Entry draws will remain a central component of Canada’s strategy to welcome skilled newcomers, with adjustments in focus areas as economic priorities evolve.
VI. Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Getting an Invitation to Apply is the moment Express Entry candidates work toward – it means you’ve been selected to formally apply for permanent residence. Here’s what happens and what to do if you receive an ITA:
Notification of ITA: If you are invited to apply, IRCC will send you a message through your online account. “If we invite you to apply for permanent residence, you’ll get a message in your account telling you: which program you’ve been invited to apply for [and] what to do next”. You will also typically receive an email notification prompting you to check your IRCC account, but the official invitation letter is delivered in the secure account. The message will specify under which program you are invited (e.g. CEC, FSWP, etc., usually the program that IRCC’s system assigned based on your eligibility) and it will provide a personalized link to begin your electronic application. The invitation letter also outlines the deadline and some instructions.
60-Day Deadline: Invitations to Apply are time-limited. From the moment an ITA is issued, a candidate has 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. IRCC makes this very clear: “Your invitation to apply is valid for 60 days only”. If you do not submit your application within 60 days, the ITA expires. There is no extension to this deadline, so it’s crucial to act quickly. IRCC urges candidates to start the application immediately: “Start filling out the application form right away, so that you can get all the information and documents you need before your invitation expires.”. All forms and supporting documents must be uploaded and the application fee paid before the 60-day mark. If the deadline is missed, the ITA is void and “your profile will be removed from the pool”, meaning you would have to create a new Express Entry profile and re-enter the pool to be considered in future draws.
Accepting or Declining an ITA: Upon receiving an ITA, you have two options in your account: “Accept and apply” or “Decline”. If you know you cannot proceed (perhaps because your circumstances changed or you realize you are not ready), you may choose to decline the ITA. If you decline, “you’ll be put back into the Express Entry pool of candidates. You’ll be considered in future rounds of invitations, if you’re still eligible.”. Declining does not penalize you in terms of CRS score or chances later – it simply resets your status to candidate. IRCC notes that if your score isn’t high enough, you might not get another ITA unless you improve your score, but “declining an invitation won’t affect whether or not you’re invited to apply later”. Candidates sometimes decline an ITA if, for example, they realize they cannot gather a required document in time, or if their point score included something (like a job offer) that is no longer valid. It’s generally better to decline and re-enter the pool than to submit an incomplete application or let the ITA expire. If you take no action (neither decline nor submit) within 60 days, the ITA will expire automatically, which is treated similarly to a refusal – you are removed from the pool and would need to start over.
Application after ITA – Required Documents: Accepting the ITA means you’ll proceed to fill out the permanent residence application in your IRCC account. This involves confirming or updating the information from your Express Entry profile and providing extensive documentation to prove the claims in your profile. IRCC will ask for documents such as: identity documents (passports), civil status documents, police clearance certificates from any country you’ve lived in for 6+ months, medical examination reports from an approved panel physician, proof of funds (for FSWP and FSTP candidates without a Canadian job offer, showing you have sufficient settlement funds), employment reference letters from your employers to confirm your work experience, education documents (degrees/diplomas and Educational Credential Assessments), language test results, and if applicable, your provincial nomination certificate or job offer documents. Essentially, everything that was claimed for CRS points or program eligibility must be backed up with evidence. IRCC’s document checklist will be personalized to you. For example, IRCC’s Express Entry guide highlights you’ll need documents like “language test results, proof of education, job offer, funds, police certificates” among others. It is wise to prepare many of these documents in advance (some, like police certificates, can take weeks to obtain). That’s why candidates should start gathering key documents (education assessments, language tests, etc.) even before receiving an ITA or immediately after, to ensure they can meet the 60-day deadline.
Completing and Submitting the PR Application: The application is submitted online through the same IRCC portal. You will fill in additional details about your history (addresses, personal history, travel history, etc. for the last 10 years or since age 18), and upload the requested documents in digital format. After everything is uploaded, you’ll pay the required fees (the processing fee and right of permanent residence fee for you and any accompanying family members, plus fees for biometrics if not already paid) and then submit the application. Once submitted, IRCC will review the application for completeness. If anything critical is missing, they can return the application as incomplete, which is effectively a rejection (and you’d have to go back to the pool and wait for another ITA). If complete, the application goes into processing.
Post-Submission: After submission, the waiting period begins. IRCC’s processing standard for Express Entry is 6 months for 80% of cases, from the date a complete application is received to the final decision. During this time, IRCC may contact you for additional information or clarifications. You’ll also provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) if required, and eventually, if all is in order, IRCC will approve the application. You’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and visa (if you need a visa to travel to Canada) to make your landing as a new permanent resident.
In summary, receiving an ITA is a milestone but also the beginning of a detailed application process. Candidates should be prepared to act quickly, ensure all information is truthful and supported by documents, and follow all instructions in the ITA letter. It’s normal to feel both excitement and anxiety at this stage – after all, you have 60 days of hard work ahead to compile everything. IRCC provides instructions along the way, and many resources are available to help applicants navigate the post-ITA steps. Staying organized and proactive is key to turning that invitation into a successful permanent residence application.
VII. Strategies to Improve Your CRS Score
For candidates who haven’t received an ITA yet, or those planning to enter the pool, improving your Comprehensive Ranking System score can significantly increase your chances of being invited in a future draw. The Express Entry system is dynamic, meaning you can update your profile with new achievements and your score will be recalculated. IRCC notes that candidates often take steps to “improve their CRS scores, thereby increasing their probability of receiving an ITA”. Here are some practical strategies to boost your CRS:
- Improve Your Language Scores: Language proficiency is one of the most valuable factors. Even small improvements in your IELTS/CELPIP (English) or TEF/TCF (French) results can yield significant additional points due to crossing certain CLB level thresholds. For instance, achieving CLB 9 (instead of 8) in each ability grants extra points and can unlock more points in skill transferability combinations. IRCC acknowledges that “increasing official language skills” is a key way to increase your CRS score. Consider retaking language tests if you think you can improve, and don’t neglect French – bilingual candidates get bonus points. A strong French result (CLB 7 or above) can add 25 or 50 points to your total, even if French is your second language. These language points can often be the difference in meeting the cut-off.
- Gain More Work Experience: If you have relatively few years of skilled work experience, continuing to work in your field will eventually increase your score. The CRS gives additional core points for each year of skilled work up to a certain cap. For foreign work experience, 3 years is the maximum that counts towards CRS core points (beyond 3 years foreign experience, no extra core points are awarded). For Canadian work experience, up to 5 years can increase your score. Also, work experience can improve your skill transferability points when combined with good language scores or education. For example, 3 years of foreign work experience coupled with CLB 9+ in language yields 50 extra points in the skill transferability section. So, staying employed in a skilled occupation and accumulating experience will help. If you’re in Canada on a work permit, gaining one year of Canadian experience not only gives you direct CRS points but also can open eligibility for the CEC program and more points under transferability factors.
- Increase Your Education Credentials: Education is another major factor. If you have an opportunity to complete a higher level of education or add a certificate/diploma, this can raise your CRS. For example, a candidate with a Bachelor’s degree might consider pursuing a Master’s degree, which would be worth more points. Even a one-year postgraduate certificate or diploma on top of your bachelor’s can yield additional points (for having two post-secondary credentials). Make sure to get an updated Educational Credential Assessment for any new foreign credential so that it counts. Additionally, earning a Canadian educational credential (by studying in Canada) gives bonus points under the CRS (15 points for a one- or two-year program, 30 points for a 3+ year program or graduate degree earned in Canada. While not everyone can study in Canada, it’s worth noting this option if it’s feasible for you.
- Obtain a Provincial Nomination: This is the single most impactful factor. If you can secure a nomination from a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) that is aligned with Express Entry, you will get 600 additional CRS points – essentially guaranteeing an ITA. “Update (or create) your Express Entry profile and show your nomination. We’ll award you 600 additional points that will help you get invited to apply.” explains IRCC. Provinces often have their own criteria to nominate candidates (for example, specific occupations in demand, or a connection to the province like a job offer or work experience there). If you meet a province’s requirements, applying to a PNP can be a golden ticket. Many candidates with moderate CRS scores (even 300s or low 400s) who get a PNP nomination find themselves with a total score of 900+ points, virtually assured of selection in the next PNP-specific or general draw. Keep an eye on various PNP streams – some require you to apply directly to the province, while others may pick you from the Express Entry pool if you’ve indicated interest in that province.
- Leverage French Language Ability: As mentioned, French can give a substantial boost. Even if French is not your first language, attaining an intermediate level (CLB 7 or higher) on a French test can net you 25 points (if English is your first official language at CLB 5 or higher) or 50 points (if you scored CLB 7+ in French and also CLB 4+ in English) under the additional points section. With Canada’s emphasis on Francophone immigration, this is an increasingly important lever. If you have any French skills, consider preparing for a TEF/TCF exam – the payoff in CRS could be large. Besides CRS points, strong French also makes you eligible for the category-based draws for Francophones.
- Include Your Spouse’s Strengths (if applicable): If you have a spouse or common-law partner, remember that their skills can also contribute to your score. While a spouse can slightly lower the principal applicant’s available core points (since with a spouse the core factor max is 40 points less), your spouse’s own education, language, and Canadian work can add up to 40 points to your CRS. To maximize this, ensure your spouse also takes an English and/or French test and gets an Educational Credential Assessment for their highest education, if they haven’t already. High spouse language scores (CLB 9+) and a completed degree can together add significant points. In some cases, it may even be better for the spouse to become the principal applicant if their profile is stronger – it’s wise for couples to calculate both scenarios.
- Maintain a Valid Profile and Keep it Updated: While not a “boost” per se, maintaining your eligibility is crucial. Make sure to update your Express Entry profile with any changes. For example, if you retake a language test and get a better score, update those results – your CRS will automatically recalculate (language tests are valid for 2 years). If you complete a new degree or certificate, add it and get the ECA. If your marital status changes or you have a new baby, update your profile accordingly (these can affect points for age, family, etc.). Also be mindful of document expirations – e.g., language tests expire after 2 years and ECAs after 5 years for CRS purposes; you may need to renew them to stay eligible. IRCC’s system will also automatically update your age (which can lower your score on your birthday), but other improvements you must initiate. Many candidates improve their score over time by actively working on these factors and updating their profile.
- (Note on Job Offers): Prior to 2025, obtaining a Canadian job offer (with LMIA or an eligible exempt offer) was a common strategy to boost CRS by 50 or 200 points. However, as discussed, IRCC has eliminated CRS points for job offers as of March 2025. This means a job offer will no longer increase your CRS score. It can still help you in indirect ways – for instance, certain PNPs require or favor job offers, and having a job in Canada can qualify you for FSWP without proof of funds, or give you Canadian work experience later – but it’s no longer a quick points boost on its own. Focus on the other strategies above, as the system now puts more weight on human capital and provincial nominations.
Improving your CRS score may require effort, time, and sometimes money (for tests or courses), but it can make the difference between waiting indefinitely and receiving an invitation. The beauty of Express Entry is that it’s a competitive system – if you actively strengthen your profile, you improve your ranking relative to others. Even a gain of 10 or 20 points could move you above the cut-off for the next draw. Keep in mind the cut-off trends and try to target surpassing them. And don’t get discouraged – Express Entry is designed to allow people to re-enter the pool and succeed after enhancing their credentials. Many successful applicants weren’t selected on their first try, but after boosting their CRS (for example, by retaking IELTS for a higher score or securing a provincial nomination), they achieved an ITA. Stay proactive and informed about opportunities (like new PNP streams or category-based draws that might favor your profile). With perseverance, you can maximize your score and your chances of immigrating to Canada.
VIII. Resources & Staying Updated
Navigating Express Entry can feel complex, but there are many official resources to help you stay updated on draw results and program changes. Here are some key Canadian government resources and tools for Express Entry candidates:
- IRCC’s Official Express Entry Website: The starting point for accurate information is IRCC’s own site for Express Entry. The main Express Entry page on Canada.ca provides an overview of the process and links to all relevant subtopics (eligibility, how to apply, documents, etc.). It’s a good idea to read through the official instructions carefully. (Example: “Express Entry is an online system that we use to manage immigration applications from skilled workers.” is stated on the official page, reinforcing its purpose.) The site is updated whenever there are changes (for instance, the removal of job offer points was reflected there in 2025). Always refer to Canada.ca > Immigration and citizenship > Immigrate through Express Entry for the latest guidelines.
- Rounds of Invitations Updates: IRCC publishes details of each Express Entry draw on the Rounds of invitations page. This page shows the latest draw results (date, number of invitations, CRS cut-off, and any program/category specification) and archives past draw results. As IRCC notes, “The table below lists all the Express Entry rounds of invitations. You can search, filter and sort the information by any of the fields.”. This means you can look up historical draws and trends. The page also provides the tie-breaking rule used for each draw and a snapshot of the CRS score distribution in the pool before the draw. It’s wise to bookmark this page and check after each round is announced – typically IRCC updates it on the same day as the draw. This is the official source for draw info (avoid unofficial rumors; always verify against IRCC’s published data).
- Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Calculator: To plan your Express Entry journey and test scenarios, use the CRS tool provided by IRCC. This interactive calculator is the exact scoring system used by Express Entry. By inputting your information (or hypothetical improved information), you can see your score breakdown. It’s helpful for understanding how much a certain factor is worth. For example, you can see how many points you get for your second language, or how your score changes if you add one year of work experience. The calculator is kept up-to-date with any points changes (it was updated when job offers were removed in 2025, for instance). It’s available on IRCC’s Express Entry portal under “Check your score”.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Information: Since PNPs are a major component of Express Entry, you should familiarize yourself with provincial opportunities. IRCC’s website has a section for the Provincial Nominee Program which includes an overview and, importantly, links to each province/territory’s immigration website. You can “Select a province or territory to learn about their PNP programs”. For example, provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and others all have dedicated pages (accessible via IRCC’s list) that outline their streams and how to apply. Use these links to check if you qualify for any Express Entry-aligned PNP stream – criteria vary by province (some focus on tech jobs, some on specific occupations, some on French speakers, etc.). Provincial websites will also announce when they are opening intakes or issuing nominations to Express Entry candidates.
- IRCC News and Updates: Major changes to Express Entry (like new categories, policy changes, or levels plan announcements) are often communicated through IRCC’s Newsroom on Canada.ca. For example, news releases in 2023 announced the launch of category-based selection and the specific categories being targeted. Keeping an eye on IRCC news releases or Notices can give insight into the government’s priorities. Additionally, IRCC’s Ministerial Instructions for Express Entry (published in the Canada Gazette or on the IRCC site) detail the legal instructions for each draw. While these are technical, they are official records of how each draw was conducted.
- Express Entry Year-End Reports: IRCC publishes an Express Entry Year-End Report annually (usually for the previous year). These reports provide a wealth of statistics and analysis on the Express Entry pool, invitations, the profile of invited candidates, etc. They also discuss any changes during the year. Reading the latest year-end report can give you context on how the system has been functioning. For instance, the 2023 report revealed the number of category-based rounds and the distribution of ITAs by program, etc. These reports are available on Canada.ca and can help candidates strategize (they show, for example, which occupations were most commonly invited, average scores, etc.).
- Help Centre and Client Support: If you have specific questions, IRCC’s online Help Centre (FAQ) is useful. You can search questions like “What if my IELTS expires?” or “How do I calculate work experience?” and often find official answers. Additionally, while contacting IRCC directly can be challenging due to volumes, they do have client support channels. After submitting an application, you can use your online account to send case-specific inquiries. Before ITA, however, the Help Centre and forums (while not official, many answers cite official sources or experiences) can be a resource.
Staying Informed: Because Express Entry can evolve (as seen with the introduction of category draws and removal of job offer points), staying informed is crucial. Regularly check the IRCC Express Entry page for any notices (for example, the banner about job offer points removal was posted in 2025). Follow official IRCC social media accounts or email updates – IRCC often posts when a draw has occurred or when a new initiative is launched. However, be cautious with social media or third-party sources for details; always cross-reference with the official IRCC site for accuracy.
Embarking on the Express Entry process requires keeping track of details and deadlines, but you are not alone – the Canadian government provides these resources to guide you. By utilizing the official tools and information, you can make sure you understand the requirements and stay up-to-date on any changes that might affect your application. Good luck on your Express Entry journey to Canada!
| # | Date | Round type | Invitations issued | CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited |
| 342 | 14-Apr-25 | Provincial Nominee Program | 825 | 764 |
| 341 | 21-Mar-25 | French language proficiency (Version 1) | 7,500 | 379 |
| 340 | 17-Mar-25 | Provincial Nominee Program | 536 | 736 |
| 339 | 6-Mar-25 | French language proficiency (Version 1) | 4,500 | 410 |
| 338 | 3-Mar-25 | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 667 |
| 337 | 19-Feb-25 | French language proficiency (Version 1) | 6,500 | 428 |
| 336 | 17-Feb-25 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| 335 | 5-Feb-25 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| 334 | 4-Feb-25 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| 333 | 23-Jan-25 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| 332 | 8-Jan-25 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| 331 | 7-Jan-25 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
| 330 | 16-Dec-24 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,085 | 727 |
| 329 | 3-Dec-24 | French language proficiency (Version 1) | 800 | 446 |
| 328 | 2-Dec-24 | Provincial Nominee Program | 676 | 705 |
| 327 | 20-Nov-24 | Healthcare occupations (Version 1) | 3,000 | 463 |
| 326 | 19-Nov-24 | Canadian Experience Class | 400 | 539 |
| 325 | 18-Nov-24 | Provincial Nominee Program | 174 | 816 |
| 324 | 15-Nov-24 | French language proficiency (Version 1) | 800 | 478 |
| 323 | 13-Nov-24 | Canadian Experience Class | 400 | 547 |
| 322 | 12-Nov-24 | Provincial Nominee Program | 733 | 812 |
| 321 | 23-Oct-24 | Trade occupations (Version 1) | 1,800 | 433 |
| 320 | 22-Oct-24 | Canadian Experience Class | 400 | 539 |
| 319 | 21-Oct-24 | Provincial Nominee Program | 648 | 791 |
| 318 | 10-Oct-24 | French language proficiency (Version 1) | 1,000 | 444 |
| 317 | 9-Oct-24 | Canadian Experience Class | 500 | 539 |
| 316 | 7-Oct-24 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,613 | 743 |
| 315 | 19-Sept-24 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 509 |
| 314 | 13-Sept-24 | French language proficiency (Version 1) | 1,000 | 446 |
| 313 | 9-Sept-24 | Provincial Nominee Program | 911 | 732 |
| 312 | 27-Aug-24 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,300 | 507 |
| 311 | 26-Aug-24 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,121 | 694 |
| 310 | 15-Aug-24 | French language proficiency (Version 1) | 2,000 | 394 |
| 309 | 14-Aug-24 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,200 | 509 |
| 308 | 13-Aug-24 | Provincial Nominee Program | 763 | 690 |
| 307 | 31-Jul-24 | Canadian Experience Class | 5,000 | 510 |
| 306 | 30-Jul-24 | Provincial Nominee Program | 964 | 686 |
| 305 | 18-Jul-24 | French language proficiency (Version 1) | 1,800 | 400 |
| 304 | 17-Jul-24 | Canadian Experience Class | 6,300 | 515 |
| 303 | 16-Jul-24 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,391 | 670 |
| 302 | 8-Jul-24 | French language proficiency (Version 1) | 3,200 | 420 |
| 301 | 5-Jul-24 | Healthcare occupations (Version 1) | 3,750 | 445 |
| 300 | 4-Jul-24 | Trade occupations (Version 1) | 1,800 | 436 |
| 299 | 2-Jul-24 | Provincial Nominee Program | 920 | 739 |
| 298 | 19-Jun-24 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,499 | 663 |
| 297 | 31-May-24 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 522 |
| 296 | 30-May-24 | Provincial Nominee Program | 2,985 | 676 |
| 295 | 24-Apr-24 | French language proficiency (2024-1) | 1,400 | 410 |
| 294 | 23-Apr-24 | No Program Specified | 2,095 | 529 |
| 293 | 11-Apr-24 | STEM occupations (2024-1) | 4,500 | 491 |
| 292 | 10-Apr-24 | No Program Specified | 1,280 | 549 |
| 291 | 26-Mar-24 | French language proficiency (2024-1) | 1,500 | 388 |
| 290 | 25-Mar-24 | No Program Specified | 1,980 | 524 |
| 289 | 13-Mar-24 | Transport occupations (2024-1) | 975 | 430 |
| 288 | 12-Mar-24 | No Program Specified | 2,850 | 525 |
Sources:
- Government of Canada – Immigrate through Express Entry (Overview)canada.cacanada.ca
- Government of Canada – Express Entry: Rounds of invitations (latest draws and tie-break rule)canada.cacanada.ca
- Government of Canada – Express Entry Year-End Report 2023 (CRS and draw statistics)canada.cacanada.ca
- Government of Canada – Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Criteriacanada.cacanada.ca
- Government of Canada – 2025 – 2027 Immigration Levels Plan (Economic priorities and categories)canada.cacanada.ca
- Government of Canada – Provincial Nominee Program: Express Entry processcanada.cacanada.ca
- Government of Canada – Express Entry: Category-Based Selectioncanada.cacanada.ca
- Government of Canada – News Release (June 2023) – Express Entry category-based selectioncanada.cacanada.ca
- Government of Canada – Express Entry: Apply for Permanent Residence (Post-ITA steps)canada.cacanada.ca
- Government of Canada – Express Entry: After you apply – Declining or missing an ITAcanada.cacanada.ca