Canada held its fourth draw for all Express Entry programs since July 6.

The IRCC issued 2,250 invitations to apply (ITA) for permanent residency. The Comprehensive Rating System (CRS) qualifying score was 525.

No specific program was specified in this drawing, which means that candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) were eligible for the invitation.

A total of 7,500 candidates have received an ITA since the July 6 renewal for all programs. The number of invited candidates has steadily increased by 250 with each drawing, and the minimum CRS score has steadily decreased by eight to nine points. The current minimum score is 32 points lower than the July 6 draw of 557.

Canada plans to admit 55,900 permanent residents through Express Entry in 2022, and that number will rise sharply to 111,500 by the end of 2024.

By inviting applicants through Express Entry, IRCC can process applications more efficiently because applicants already meet the basic eligibility level, according to their CRS score. Now that the draw has resumed, IRCC is aiming for a six-month review period for new applications.

However, the IRCC is considering future Express Entry draws focused on specific skills and occupations instead of relying solely on CRS scores. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said in June that this way Canada could select more immigrants who are already job-ready.