On September 14, Canada invited Express Entry candidates who had a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 510, not 511 as it was originally posted.
The difference means that people who scored at least 510 received their Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency. Although it is still a relatively high score compared to other all-program draws, it is the lowest score since these types of draws resumed on July 6.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated their ministerial instructions at about 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time this past Wednesday.
At the time, the page said the minimum CRS cut off was 511, but some were reporting online that they had received an ITA with a score of 510.
From 3:00 p.m. September 14, 2022:
Sometime before 12:55 p.m. on September 15, IRCC changed the CRS score to 510.
CIC News reached out to IRCC for comment but has not received a response in time for publication.
Given that this is an all-program draw, the top-scoring candidates from all of the Express Entry-managed programs had an opportunity to receive an ITA. Express Entry-managed programs include the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
IRCC had previously paused all-program Express Entry draws starting in December 2020. During this time, only candidates eligible for the CEC or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) were invited to apply. Then in September 2021, CEC draws were also paused.
Since IRCC resumed all-program draws on July 6, CRS score cut offs have been in the 500s. Draw sizes have been increasing as CRS cut offs have been dropping.
So far this year, Canada has welcomed about 40,785 immigrants through Express Entry. IRCC expects to welcome about 55,900 Express Entry immigrants according to the 2022-2024 Immigration Levels Plan.
