Today, Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the results for the 194th Express Entry draw. The IRCC drew exclusively from Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates, issuing a total of 6000 invitation to apply (ITA). The most noteworthy information from this draw, however, is the lowest CRS score: 357 points. Not only the minimum score is 11 points lower than last draw, but it is also a new low since February, 2021.

The details of the 194th Express Entry draw are as the following:

According to the stated tie-breaking rule, only candidates who scored on or above 357, and submitted their profiles before February 17, 2021, at 10:15:50 UTC are invited to apply.

The CEC belongs to Canada’s Express Entry system. It is a program for Canadian skilled workers to obtain permanent residency. For 2021, IRCC announced its blueprint to welcome over 400,000 new immigrants to Canada. Including today’s draw, the total number of ITA issued have increased to 88,175, doubling the number from last year’s.

The large intake and generous CRS score decreases encourage many to submit their profiles into the EE pool. However, as the enthusiasm heightens, intense competition ensues. Latest IRCC data from June 21 shows in total of 166, 246 candidates in the pool. Among them, those who scored between 351-400 occupy the largest portion: 53,416 candidates. Nevertheless, as previously mentioned, Canada’s ambitious intake cap of immigrants indicates one’s high chance of receiving an ITA.

While we observe a possible farewell to COVID-19 in the approaching future, we are ready to approach a new future of Canadian immigration. Recent optimisms on EE draws suggest Canada’s readiness for development in the post-pandemic era. With that said, now is not too late to apply for permanent residence. For any questions about applying for Canadian Experience Class, please contact Thomas Wang & Associates (TWA) directly.