In the Express Entry Latest Draw held on March 29, 2023, the IRCC invited 7,000 candidates to apply for permanent residence. This draw marks the third consecutive draw in which the IRCC issued 7,000 invitations to eligible candidates. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required to receive an invitation in this draw was 481.
In March, the CRS Score for the Express Entry candidates dropped from 490 to 481 due to the large draws that happened on March 15 and March 23. When the IRCC issues a large number of invitations to apply (ITAs) in a single draw, it allows more candidates to receive an ITA, including those with lower CRS scores.
Candidates from the Express Entry programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class, are considered in this all-program draw.
Candidates were not expecting back-to-back large draw sizes because historically, the IRCC has varied the size of the draws and the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required to receive an ITA.
The consistent issuance of 7,000 ITAs in back-to-back draws indicates that the IRCC is committed to meeting its immigration targets and has a significant demand for skilled workers in the Canadian economy.
Canada Express Entry Draw March 29, 2023 Results:
- Express Entry Round: #245
- Draw Type: All-Program
- Draw Date: March 29, 2023
- CRS Cut-off Score: 481
- No. of invitations: 7000
- Tie-breaking rule: February 14, 2023
The Latest Express Entry Pool Breakdown
According to the IRCC, as of March 29, 2023, there are 234,947 candidates in the Express Entry Pool. The pool breakdown consists of candidates from the three main economic immigration programs managed through the Express Entry system.
Will CRS Come Below 470 in April 2023?
Predicting when the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada through the Express Entry system will drop below 470 is difficult, depending on various factors.
Since IRCC is surprising the candidates with big-size draws, we can expect more of these in the upcoming months.
If three more “7000 ITA” draws happen in April, it could significantly impact the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The more invitations issued in a draw, the more candidates can enter the pool, leading to increased competition among candidates and potentially driving up the CRS score requirement.
However, if the IRCC continues to issue large draws, it could also help to clear out the pool more quickly, allowing for a quicker reduction in the CRS score requirement.
It is important to note that the CRS score requirement can also be affected by other factors, such as changes in Canadian immigration policies, the labour market demand in different provinces, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Canadian economy and immigration system.
Therefore, predicting the exact impact of three more 7000 invitations draws in April is difficult, and it is important for candidates to maintain a competitive CRS score, gain additional work experience or education, improve their language proficiency, and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the Canadian immigration system to improve their chances of receiving an ITA.
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Book a Consultation5 Pathways to Increase Low CRS in 2023?
Here are five options for individuals with a low CRS score to immigrate to Canada in 2023:
1. Provincial Nomination (PNP)
Applying for a Provincial Nomination Program can significantly increase the chances of receiving an ITA. With an enhanced nomination, candidates can gain an additional 600 points on their CRS score, effectively guaranteeing an ITA for permanent residence.
Read more: PNP vs. Express Entry: Which is better for you?
2. LMIA Job Offer
Obtaining a job offer from a Canadian employer with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) can expedite the immigration process. Candidates can enter Canada with a work permit and gain valuable work experience to increase their CRS score, making them eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Learn more: How to get a job offer from outside Canada?
3. Get a Study Permit and PGWP in Canada
Pursuing a Canadian Study Permit Visa is popular for those with low CRS scores. After completing their studies, individuals can apply for a post-graduate work permit and gain work experience in Canada. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry provides a pathway to permanent residency for individuals with Canadian work experience.
Also read: Canada Study Visa After 5 to 25 Years Gap
4. Visitor Visa to Work Permit in Canada
While on a visitor visa, individuals can search for employment opportunities in Canada. A work permit can be obtained through a Canadian company eligible to hire foreign workers. Alternatively, individuals can leverage their personal connections to find work opportunities in Canada.
Also read: Visitor Visa to Work Permit in Canada
5. French Language
As per the Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2023–2025, candidates proficient in the French language can gain up to 50 additional points on their CRS score. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with scores ranging from 450 to 470. The plan has set aside over 4% of the immigration quota for Francophone immigration, making French language skills a valuable asset for Express Entry candidates.
You may also like: British Columbia Immigration Programs
Ready to Apply for Express Entry?
Book a ConsultationNeed help?
Looking for a licensed and experienced immigration expert to assist you with your Express Entry or PNP immigration process? Look no further than Mr. Keshav Sharma, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) with expertise in all aspects of immigration. Contact us today to learn more about the options available to you.