The latest draw from the Express Entry pool, the 30th draw since the system was introduced last year, has seen a total of 1,014 candidates being issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Canadian permanent residence. The draw took place on March 23, 2016, and each candidate who received an ITA had 470 or more Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.

This draw represents a slight decrease in the CRS point requirement, relative to the previous draw, which took place on March 9. The two most recent draws have seen a decrease in the number of ITAs issued; this factor would have had a significant bearing on the increase in the CRS point requirement for these rounds of invitations.

Each draw for the past ten months has selected a portion of candidates who do not have a qualifying job offer in Canada or a nomination from a Canadian province.

Express Entry

Express Entry is Canada's immigration management system for the federal economic immigration programs, namely: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and the Canadian Experience Class. The system was first launched on January 1, 2015.

Eligible candidates may submit a profile into the Express Entry pool, where they are ranked according to the CRS. The government of Canada selects the top-ranked candidates on a priority basis when it performs one of its frequent draws from the pool. Candidates who are issued an ITA for permanent residence then have 60 days to submit a complete e-application, from which point the government of Canada aims to process the application within six months.