Biggest Surprise By IRCC: Express Entry Latest Draw January 18, 2023

On January 18, 2023, IRCC held a surprise Express Entry latest draw in which 5,500 candidates received invitations. IRCC surprised candidates with two back-to-back Express Entry draws, already inviting 11,000 Express Entry candidates in 2023.

Another surprising news was that the latest cut-off dropped to 490, reduced by 17 points. The candidates were invited from all three Express Entry categories, including Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

Around 240,013 Express Entry Profiles are in the pool as of January 18, 2023.

The Latest Canada Express Entry Draw Results:

• Express Entry Round: #238
• Draw Date:  January 18, 2023
• CRS Cut-off Score: 490
• No. of invitations: 5,500
• Tie-breaking rule: November 24, 2022

The CRS score has risen from 490 to 507 in the first Express Entry Draw of January 11, 2023. This draw was held after a pause from Nov 23, 2023. Thus today’s Express Entry Draw has levelled the CRS Score back to its previous levels before the pause.

The IRCC has been working to develop additional draw categories for candidates in the Express Entry programs ever since Bill C-19 gained royal assent in June of last year. This is a significant change from the current practice of selecting applicants based on a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

In its most recent action, the IRCC finished a round of public and stakeholder consultations to understand Canada’s labour and talent shortages better. All applicants must be qualified to apply to the current Express Entry application management system, regardless of category.

Before invites are sent out, the categories will be disclosed when the Minister decides.

After this draw, there is a hope that IRCC will continue big-size draws more frequently in the future. This means that candidates having CRS Score below 470 can get invitations within 4-5 months of time.

Here are the 5 alternative ways to immigrate to Canada, even with a low CRS:

1. Get a PNP Nomination

The majority of candidates with a 600+ score receive a nomination from one of Canada’s provinces or territories. The Canadian Provincial Nominee Program provides opportunities for entrepreneurs, foreign students, and skilled professionals. Through PNP, candidates can add 600 more CRS points.

Read more: PNP vs. Express Entry: Which is better for you?

2. LMIA Job Offer

The simplest and quickest way to enter Canada is through LMIA Job Offer. Candidates are more likely to immigrate to Canada with a work permit if they have a job offer from a Canadian business and a favourable Labour Market Impact Assessment. They can apply for permanent residency once they have gained experience in Canada.

Learn more: How to get a job offer from outside Canada?

3. Get a Study Permit and PGWP in Canada

The Canada Study Permit Visa is another simple way to get permanent residency in Canada. Many applicants who don’t have enough CRS points choose the Study Permit to PR path. Candidates in this programme take a course in Canada and receive a post-graduate work permit. They successfully apply for PR through CEC Express Entry once they have accumulated sufficient experience in Canada.

Also read: Canada Study Visa After 5 to 25 Years Gap

4. Visitor Visa to Work Permit in Canada

Candidates can lawfully submit a job application while on a visitor visa in Canada. Only an eligible Canadian employer can provide a work permit. They can also get work in Canada with the help of their friends, family, or other connections.

Also read: Visitor Visa to Work Permit in Canada

5. French Language

In the latest Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025, IRCC has allocated a more than 4% share to Francophone immigration. You can get 50 points to your profile through an excellent French language command. However, this is helpful for those with a decent score ranging from 450-470.

You may also like:  Entrepreneur LMIA (Owner Operator)

Are you looking for a knowledgeable and skilled immigration expert for your Canadian immigration process? Mr. Keshav Sharma is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) and has experience in all immigration matters. Get in touch with us to explore more options.

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