Slight Decrease in CRS Cut-Off Threshold in September 20 Express Entry Draw

The number of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points required to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for immigration to Canada through the Express Entry selection system has decreased to 433 in the latest draw from the pool, which took place on September 20, 2017.

This is the joint-lowest CRS cut-off threshold since changes to the system were introduced in early June. The previous draw, which took place on September 6, had a threshold of 435.

Candidates who receive an ITA have 90 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence, including supporting documentation. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to complete the processing of applications within six months. Since Express Entry was first introduced in January, 2015, the vast majority of applications have been processed within this six-month timeframe.

The latest draw brings the total number of ITAs issued so far this year to 69,420, more than double the 33,782 that were issued in the whole of last year. The total number of ITAs issued since January, 2015 now stands at 134,265.

*Note: Draws of May 26 invited provincial nominees with a minimum CRS score of 775, and candidates in the Federal Skilled Trades Class with a minimum score of 199.

How to enter the Express Entry pool

In order to enter the Express Entry pool and be assigned a CRS score, individuals need to be eligible under one of Canada’s federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or the Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC).

Getting an invitation

Once in the pool, candidates can increase their score — and thereby their ranking — by taking steps such as obtaining an enhanced provincial nomination, proving a higher language ability, obtaining a qualifying job offer in Canada, completing a level of education, or adding additional work experience. Moreover, candidates with an accompanying spouse or common-law partner may increase their CRS score by showcasing the spouse or partner's human capital factors.

The following hypothetical scenarios reveal the different ways in which candidates can obtain an ITA.

Juan is 30 years old and has a bachelor’s degree from his home country. Since graduating, he has worked in education for three years. He has advanced English skills and scored 8 in each IELTS category. He is looking forward to moving to Canada to settle permanently and continue his career. With a CRS score of 433, he would receive an ITA in the latest draw.

Roseline has been interested in moving to Canada since her brother gained permanent residence there two years ago. At 33 years old, she has successfully graduated from a bachelor’s program in political science and has been working in the same field for the last three years. Her strong English skills gained her top IELTS marks and boosted her CRS score to 434. Her score was enough for her to be issued an ITA.

Chris and Hazel are a married couple, aged 30, who have completed their bachelor’s degrees. Both of them have strong English capabilities, which helped them achieve a score of 8 in each IELTS category. So far, Chris has three years of work experience in business. With a CRS score of 435, Chris was issued an ITA.

"There are many ways to obtain an invitation, and many pathways to Canadian immigration. The right strategy depends on the individual's or family's circumstances and goals. As a first step, it is important to evaluate your options and react accordingly. If eligible, entering the Express Entry pool opens a world of possibilities, as this system is now the main driver of economic immigration to Canada," says Attorney David Cohen.