Express Entry Draw 246 | 3,500 Invited in All-Program Draw

The latest Canadian Express Entry draw was just held. Express Entry draw 246 saw a CRS score of 486 and invited 3,500 candidates from all programs to apply.

Express Entry Draw 246

Date of Draw:  April 12, 2023

Number of Invitations Issued: 3,500

Minimum CRS: 486

Program Specified: Non-specified

Tie-breaking rule: July 19, 2022 11:05:24 UTC

Today’s draw saw a CRS score of 486

Express Entry draw 246 issued 3,500 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) of 486. There was no program specified for the draw, meaning that invitations were issued to candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

Last month’s draws saw the largest all-program draws, 3 consecutive weeks in a row inviting 7,000 candidates in each draw. Today’s draw however saw a decrease in that trend with 3,500 invited, half that of uncharacteristically high draws in March. The CRS score was also a bit higher this draw compared to the last. Todays CRS score was 486, 5 points higher than the last draw in March which was 481.  

Express Entry draws have had an unusual pattern this year. Draws typically have been taking place bi-weekly on Wednesday afternoons. However, in March weekly draws were held, with one being held on a Thursday. This makes it difficult to predict exactly when the next draw will take place, however, they will likely develop a more concrete pattern as draws continue to take place. 

A Historic Month for Express Entry in March

Canada’s Express Entry had a historic month in March 2023. Four draws were held in March and a total of 21,667 ITAs were issued. This was the most ITAs issued in a single month in over two years and the second-most of all time. 

March also saw the largest all-program draw in history, three times in a row. On March 15th, 7,000 candidates were invited to apply for Canadian PR. This broke the previous record of 5,500 ITAs issued on the January 18th draw. It was also remarkable, that the March 23rd and 29th draws each also invited 7,000 candidates. This helped to make March such a record-breaking month adding up to 21,000 ITAs issued over three weeks. 

March also saw the lowest CRS score in 27 months, a much-welcomed sign. The Comprehensive Ranking System score is an important indicator of how likely a candidate is to be selected to receive an ITA. Only those with a CRS score above the cut-off will receive an ITA, meaning those with higher scores are better situated to receive an ITA. 

The increase in ITAs reflects the government’s commitment to welcoming skilled workers and their families to Canada, as part of its long-term economic growth strategy.

What Is Express Entry and How Can I Apply?

Express Entry is a system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for Canadian permanent residency. Express Entry uses a point-based system, the CRS, to rank candidates’ profiles. The system manages three main programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW);
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST); and
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Applying to Express Entry is a two-step procedure. The first step is to submit your profile with the required documents. Required documents usually consist of language test results, educational credentials and passport or travel documentation.

After you submit a profile and receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence, you can submit your complete application for the IRCC to review. Your complete application should include supporting documents such as reference letters, additional identity documents, police clearance certificates, and results of a medical examination.

Interested in learning more about your options to enter the Express Entry pool? Complete our free online assessment form today!