Canada is still attracting a large number of skilled workers worldwide through its use of Express Entry draws, is a streamlined mode of granting permanent residency. The statistics from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) over the past few months entail recent updates on the invitations issued and distributions of CRS scores, while also serving to reinforce valuable insights for the targeted immigrants.
Important Aspects from the Draw held on January 23, 2025
4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued for a permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program in the Express Entry Draw No 333 on January 23, 2025.
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Minimum CRS score: The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for this particular draw was 527.
Tie-breaking rule: The specified tie-breaking rule applies to the whole profiles submitted prior to July 23, 2024, at 07:06:43 UTC.
Comparison: It was the second CEC draw this year. The draw before this, which was held on January 8, already issued 1,350 ITAs to candidates with a CRS score cut-off of 542. The draw held on January 23 thus showed a small decrease in the CRS cut-off score.
Distribution of CRS Scores as of January 23, 2025
The number of candidates in the CRS pool was at 232,924, with the largest number present in the score range 451-500, making up 67,548 candidates. The breakdown is as follows:
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| 601-1200 | 200 |
| 501-600 | 24,001 |
| 451-500 | 67,548 |
| 401-450 | 62,426 |
| 351-400 | 51,213 |
| 301-350 | 21,903 |
| 0-300 | 5,633 |
Canadian Experience Class: A Pathway for Skilled Workers
A skilled worker already in Canada and wishing to transition to permanent residency is eligible to apply under the Canada Experience Class (CEC) program. The prerequisites, therefore, include:
Work Experience: One year of full-time paid work in Canada (or an equivalent of part-time experience) within the preceding three years.
Legal Status: Experience must have been gained under a valid temporary resident status.
Lack of Validity: There is no provision for unpaid work, volunteer work, or unauthorized work.
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Other Draws in 2025
The first PNP draw of the year occurred on January 7, 2025, with a total of 471 ITAs issued under a CRS cut-off of 793. The PNP allows participating provinces to nominate candidates according to their particular labor market requirements, thereby complementing federal pathways such as the Express Entry system.
Why This Express Entry Over Others?
The Express Entry systems remain the ones chosen by skilled workers due to the efficient processing of applications, frequent draws, and opportunities catered to many sectors. Programs such as the CEC allow for a quick and straight route for people with Canadian work experience to attain their permanent residence status.
Planning Your Move to Canada?
For those skilled workers with Canadian experience, these draws could provide a good opportunity for permanent residency. Be sure to study the eligibility criteria carefully, along with the documentation requirements for improving your chances of success.