Express Entry draws: how rounds of invitations and CRS cut-offs work
Every few weeks, IRCC invites the highest-ranked Express Entry candidates to apply for permanent residence. Knowing which rounds you're eligible for, and what cut-offs those rounds have needed recently, is the difference between a realistic plan and waiting indefinitely.
Types of Express Entry draws
General rounds
Open to all candidates in FSW, CEC and FST. Invite the highest CRS scores in the pool.
Program-specific rounds
Limited to one program, most often CEC or provincial nominees. PNP-only rounds have very high cut-offs because nominees carry 600 extra points.
Category-based rounds
Target candidates with French-language proficiency or experience in priority occupations. Recent categories have included healthcare and social services, trades and education. Categories are reviewed every year.
How the CRS cut-off is set
IRCC decides how many invitations to issue, then invites candidates in score order until that number is reached. The score of the last invited candidate becomes the cut-off. It isn't a target set in advance.
The tie-breaking rule
If several candidates have the cut-off score, IRCC invites those who entered the pool earliest, up to a stated date and time. That's one reason we create your profile as soon as you're eligible.
What to do while you wait in the pool
- Retake your language test to reach CLB 9 in every ability
- Add French: NCLC 7 opens French-language rounds
- Update your profile when you gain a year of experience or a new credential
- Watch provincial searches; a nomination adds 600 points
- Prepare police certificates and reference letters before the ITA
Star Immigration's draw monitoring
For clients in the pool, we follow every round and provincial search, and tell you when your situation or a new category changes your chances.
Not sure which rounds you qualify for?
We'll check your NOC code against current categories and compare your score with recent cut-offs.
Get your Express Entry plan from a licensed consultant
Book a walk-in in Brampton or a phone consultation.