The Government of Canada issued 3,200 invitations to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence to Express Entry candidates in a draw held December 19. 

The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in this latest invitation round was 469, a decrease of three points over the previous draw held.

The Express Entry system manages the pool of candidates for three of Canada’s main skilled labour immigration categories — the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class and Canadian Experience Class.

Candidates are ranked in the pool based on a score awarded under the CRS that considers factors such as age, education, skilled work experience and proficiency in English or French.

A job offer is not required in order to be eligible for an Express Entry invitation to apply (ITA), though additional CRS points are awarded if a candidate has one.

A set number of the highest-ranked candidates are invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence through regular draws from the pool. These invitation rounds typically take place every two weeks and the vast majority involve candidates from all three Express Entry-managed categories.

The minimum CRS score is determined by factors including the number of candidates in the Express Entry pool, the time between draws and the number of ITAs issued.