IRCC has held its fourteenth Express Entry draw of 2023.

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 4,800 candidates in an all-program draw.

Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 486.

This was the first draw of June and follows the most recent draw on May 24 in which 4,800 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 488 were invited in an all-program draw. This score is higher than the April 26 all-program draw which had a minimum CRS score requirement of 483.  

IRCC announces category-based selection draws expected to begin this summer On May 31 IRCC issued a news release stating that the department has established six new category-based selection criteria for Express Entry candidates.

The new categories target candidates with specific attributes that support Canada’s economic goals. Five are for those with work experience in the following fields:

• healthcare
• science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
• trades, such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors
• transport
• agriculture and agri-food

The final category is for candidates with strong French speaking abilities.

The department says it expects to begin holding category-based draws this summer but has not provided an exact date.