Express Entry Draw 261 | 1,500 Invited in Trades Draw

The latest Canadian Express Entry draw was just held. Express Entry draw 261 saw a CRS score of 388 and invited 1,500 candidates from all programs to apply.

Express Entry Draw 261

Date of Draw: August 3, 2023

Number of Invitations Issued: 1,500

Minimum CRS: 388

Program Specified:  Trade occupations (2023-1)

Tie-breaking rule: June 07, 2023, at 07:03:08 UTC

First-Ever Draw for Trade Workers

Express Entry draw 261 issued 1,500 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) of 388. Today’s draw was the first ever category-specific draw for trade occupations. Meaning that all candidates for this draw were selected from a select number of NOC codes within the Express Entry pool, related to trade occupations.

Today’s draw is the third of August after the all-program draw on August 1st and a draw for French speakers yesterday. Compared to yesterday’s draw for French speakers, today’s CRS score was 47 points lower, and 700 more ITAs were issued.

In general, category-specific draws have had a lower CRS cut-off score than the recent all-program draws. The last all-program draw saw a cut-off score of 517 which was 129 points higher than today’s CRS cut-off score.

Since the first category-specific draw just one month ago, a total of seven category-based draws have now taken place. Draws for STEM occupations, healthcare occupations, French speakers, and now for trades, have all taken place in the past few weeks. Combined, they have invited a total of 10,100 candidates combined. So far, the largest category has been for Francophones. A total of 6,100 candidates have been invited to apply in the French language draws.

It’s absolutely critical to address the shortage of skilled trades workers in our country. This round of category-based selection recognizes these skilled trades workers as essential, and I look forward to welcoming more of these talented individuals to Canada.

What are the Eligible Trade Occupations For This Draw?

To be eligible for the trade occupation category, you must:

• have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work experience)
  • in a single occupation listed in the table below
  • in Canada or abroad
• meet all of the requirements in the instructions for that round

What Will Future Express Entry Draws Look Like?

Express Entry will hold different types of draws throughout the year, not just category-based draws. There will be 3 types of rounds:

1. General round of invitations: General rounds of invitations invites the top-ranking candidates in the Express Entry pool who are eligible for 1 of the 3 Express Entry Programs. The 3 programs include the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
2. Program-specific rounds of invitations: Program-specific rounds invite the top-ranking candidates who are eligible for a specific Express Entry program. For example, the IRCC often has draws specifically for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), where only candidates who are eligible for a PNP are invited.
3. Category-based rounds of invitations: The Minister of Immigration will establish specific categories to meet specific economic goals across Canada. Once the categories are established, the top-ranking candidates in the pool who are eligible for this category will receive an invitation.

How Can I Apply for Express Entry?

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.

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!