On May 31, 2021, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 5,956 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in its most recent Express Entry draw.

The minimum score in this draw was 380. This draw was the third largest Express Entry draw ever and had the second-lowest Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) in 2021.

We have observed that in 2021, IRCC has been holding PNP and Canadian Experience Class (CEC)-specific draws. On February 13, the department had invited every candidate who was eligible for the CEC with a CRS score of 75 to apply for permanent residence. To meet the immigration targets amid travel restrictions, IRCC has been holding program-specific draws that target candidates who are likely already in the country.

The Comprehensive Ranking System is a score out of 1,200 used to benchmark federal economic applicants against one another. It’s a part of the Express Entry system, which was established in January 2015 to process permanent residence applications. The CRS points are calculated on for factors such as age, education, skilled work experience and proficiency in English or French.

The CRS score is used as a cut-off point in Express Entry draws. To enter the pool, candidates must be eligible under either the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Class.

Donoso & Partners, a leading immigration law firm based in Washington, D.C., will continue to report on developments regarding the immigration law and policy through our news section of donosolaw.com.