Express Entry Draws — July 2022 Overview
On July 6 and July 20, 2022, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ran the first all-program Express Entry draws in 18 months.
- Invitations to Apply (ITAs): 3,250 (combined)
- CRS cut-offs: 557 and 542 (both very high)
- Program mix (both draws combined):
- PNP: 1,464 candidates
- CEC: 1,164 candidates
- FSW: 622 candidates
What Is Express Entry?
Express Entry (launched January 2015) manages applications for permanent residence in Canada through a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Profiles enter the EE pool and top-ranked candidates receive ITAs in periodic draws.
CRS Factors (at a glance)
- Age · Education (with ECA if foreign)
- Language results (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF → CLB scores)
- Skilled work experience (Canadian & foreign)
- Additional points: provincial nomination (+600), job offer, Canadian study, French, siblings, etc.
Programs Managed by Express Entry
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
For candidates with skilled experience abroad. Baseline 67/100 on the FSW grid, plus competitive CRS.
Federal Skilled Trades (FSTP)
For designated skilled trades. Requires recent 2+ years experience, language thresholds, and either a 1-year job offer or certificate of qualification.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
For applicants with ≥1 year of Canadian skilled work (last 3 years) and required language scores.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) & Express Entry
PNP lets provinces/territories select candidates to meet local labour needs. An EE-aligned nomination adds +600 CRS points—often guaranteeing an ITA in subsequent rounds. Popular options include OINP (Ontario), BC PNP (British Columbia), MPNP (Manitoba), SINP (Saskatchewan), NSNP (Nova Scotia) and AAIP/AINP (Alberta).
What July 2022 Means for Applicants
- Expect elevated CRS cut-offs while all-program draws ramp back up.
- Strengthen language scores, secure ECA, and document work experience early.
- Consider PNP strategies for the +600 boost.
- Keep profiles accurate and active to benefit from future rounds.
Talk to Us
Need help choosing between Express Entry, PNP, CEC, or FSW? Call +91-9019-400-500 or email [email protected] for a quick profile check.
FAQs
1) Why were the CRS cut-offs so high (557 & 542)? After a long pause on all-program draws, demand in the EE pool was high and invitations limited—keeping CRS thresholds elevated.
2) Do I need a job offer to qualify? Not for FSW/CEC. A job offer can add points (and is required for some FSTP/PNP streams), but many candidates succeed without one.
3) How can I raise my CRS quickly? Improve language scores (CLB), pursue a PNP nomination (+600), add Canadian study/work, or secure an eligible job offer.
4) Can I be considered for multiple programs at once? Yes. A single Express Entry profile can be considered across FSW, CEC, FSTP, and any EE-aligned PNP you pursue.
