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Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently orchestrated an all-program Express Entry's draw. Candidates from various programs including the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) were the focus of this new Express Entry draw.
Express Entry Draw #262 took place on August 15, 2023, and resulted in 4,300 Invitations to Apply (ITA) being dispatched to candidates. The required minimum score for the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) was set at 496.
Express Entry Draw #262 Details:
- Invitations Issued: 4,300
- Rank Required for Invitation: 4,300 or higher
- Type: All-program draw
- Date & Time: August 15, 2023, at 14:23:51 UTC
- Minimum CRS Score of Invited Candidates: 496
- Tie-breaking rule: If candidates share the lowest score, the date and time of their Express Entry profile submission determine the cut-off, with the date being August 01, 2023, at 12:59:52 UTC.
For Invited Applicants:
Upon receiving an invitation from the IRCC to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency, you will find a notification in your account, detailing:
- The specific program to which you have been invited to apply
- The next steps
Providing false information or omitting crucial details may lead to:
- Application refusal
- Being deemed inadmissible
- A five-year prohibition on applying for any Canadian visa
Before proceeding, assess your eligibility for Canada's Permanent Residency under the invited program. A comprehensive understanding of the requirements will equip you for the application process.
A Milestone for Skilled Professionals:
With more than double the ITAs and a 21-point decrease in the required CRS score compared to the last draw on August 1st, this draw signals a favorable shift in Canadian immigration, particularly for skilled workers.
This draw stands out, leading the last 10 draws with the most invitations. It's an inclusive draw open to candidates from FSWP, CEC, FSTP, and Provincial Nominee Program.
Enhanced Focus on Specific Categories:
Canada's Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser, revealed that the IRCC will primarily focus on six new categories for Express Entry draws, considering future labor market needs and consulting with various partners and governments.
The focus will be on candidates skilled in:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare
- STEM fields
- Trades
- Transport
- Agriculture and Agri-Food
With these targeted draws and the IRCC's ongoing trend of increased ITAs and lowered CRSs, the present time offers a prime opportunity for aspiring immigrants to Canada.