Immigration, Refugee, Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited CEC candidates with CRS scores as low as 357 in the most recent Express Entry draw.
In the 198th Express Entry draw, Canada has invited 4,500 candidates to apply for permanent residence.
This round of invitations targeted only Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. The CRS score of the lowest ranking candidate was just 357.
The minimum score has decreased from the previous CEC draw, which saw a CRS cut-off of 369, also issuing 4,500 invitations. This CRS cut-off is tied for the second lowest CEC CRS score ever targeted in an Express Entry.
Draw Summary
Draw Number: 198
Date of Draw: July 22nd, 2021
Number of Invitations Issued: 4500
Minimum CRS: 357
Program Specified: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Tie-breaking rule: February 14th, 2021
When will Federal Skilled Worker draws resume?
Following Canada’s announcement of plans to reopen the border to fully vaccinated travelers by this September, many anxiously await the recommencement of Federal Skilled Worker draws. Throughout the pandemic, Express Entry draws candidates that are more likely to be already residing in Canada.
In order to meet increased immigration targets for 2021-2023, the CRS cut-off has continued to lower for CEC-specific Express Entry draws. This gives candidates with Canadian work experience a higher-than-ever chance of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
However, while Federal Skilled Worker draws have remained on pause, these candidates still have a chance to receive an invitation. Throughout the pandemic, provinces have continued to use their nominee programs to meet labour market demand; many provincial nominee programs invite candidates with in-demand work experience directly from the Express Entry pool. These programs give candidates with no ties to Canada the chance to receive permanent residency.
How can I be eligible for a CEC Express Entry draw?
To be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class, candidates must have at least one year of Canadian work experience. The experience must have been completed in a skilled occupation with valid authorization within the past three years prior to applying. Eligible applicants must also score a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 on each area of the official language exam. If the Canadian work experience is in NOC skill type B, candidates require only a CLB 5.