Maple News reports that 2023 marked a transformative year for Canadian immigration, particularly for the Express Entry system. With a surge of new policies and major structural changes, one constant remained: the central role of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) in determining which candidates receive invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.
Last year, CRS score thresholds in Express Entry draws were notably higher than in previous years. In general draws, scores spiked as high as 561, while certain program-specific or category-based rounds saw scores climb to 791. These elevated CRS cut-offs left many prospective applicants wondering whether 2024 will offer more favourable conditions.
However, accurately predicting CRS trends for 2024 remains challenging. The variation in CRS thresholds largely depends on the dynamics of the Express Entry candidate pool and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s selection priorities. As more highly qualified individuals enter the pool, competition intensifies, naturally pushing cut-off scores higher.
A significant change influencing CRS scores is the introduction of category-based draws, which began in mid-2023. These targeted selection rounds aim to address specific labour shortages in areas such as health care, STEM, trade, transportation, agriculture and agri-food, and French-language proficiency. Candidates in these categories may receive invitations with lower CRS scores, depending on demand and their alignment with economic or linguistic priorities.
Though category-based draws offer alternate pathways, maximizing one’s CRS remains critical, especially for candidates outside targeted categories. Improving language test scores, obtaining higher education credentials, or securing Canadian work experience are proven ways to boost CRS scores and stay competitive.
Another critical factor skewing CRS score cut-offs is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Candidates who receive a nomination from a province via Express Entry–aligned PNP streams automatically gain an additional 600 CRS points, often pushing them well above the average threshold. These nominations, therefore, continue to exert significant influence on draw outcomes.
General or “all-program” draws, which include candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), issued 76,700 ITAs across 19 draws in 2023 alone. The lowest CRS score in these draws was 481, demonstrating the competitive nature of the pool, even without the influence of PNP bonuses.
As 2024 unfolds, those pursuing Canadian permanent residency through Express Entry must keep a close watch on score trends and consider all available pathways. Whether by enhancing their CRS profiles or strategizing their eligibility under category-based and PNP streams, candidates have multiple avenues to improve their prospects.
Maple News will continue to monitor updates from IRCC and provide comprehensive insights into Express Entry draws, helping applicants adapt to an ever-changing immigration landscape.