Express Entry: Round of invitations 4th Draw of 2021 (Draw date 21 January)
The 4th Express Entry Draw is out now. A total of 4,626 invitations for “Canada Experience Class” with a CRS score cut of 454 have been issued. From the very beginning of the new year, Canada has been issuing the old-styled ITA system by issuing invitations to apply for the PNP and Experience Class separately.
The candidates who scored a minimum of 454 (7 points less than last time) have been sent invitations to apply for permanent residency. IRCC ranks candidates in the pool using a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). It selects the highest-ranking candidates from the pool and invites them to apply for permanent residence.
Details of latest “Express Entry” round of invitations
Ministerial Instructions respecting invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system #174 –January 21, 2021
- Number of invitations issued: 4,626
- Rank required to be invited to apply: 4,626th or above
- Date and time of round: January 21, 2021, at 14:22:20 UTC
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 454
- Tie-breaking rule: July 23, 2020, at 17:32:00 UTC (If more than one candidate has the lowest score, the cut-off is based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles.)
CRS score distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool as of January 18, 2021
| CRS score range | Number of candidates |
| 601-1200 | 295 |
| 501-600 | 457 |
| 451-500 | 23,893 |
| 491-500 | 321 |
| 481-490 | 806 |
| 471-480 | 2,000 |
| 461-470 | 8,355 |
| 451-460 | 12,411 |
| 401-450 | 46,162 |
| 441-450 | 10,919 |
| 431-440 | 10,840 |
| 421-430 | 7,586 |
| 411-420 | 7,850 |
| 401-410 | 8,967 |
| 351-400 | 48,120 |
| 301-350 | 25,114 |
| 0-300 | 3,283 |
| Total | 147,324 |
How candidates receive invitations to apply for PR?
The applicant is assessed by the CRS Comprehensive Ranking System. This is a point-based system. An invitation to apply for permanent residence is sent to those who obtain the highest scores. Which Immigration Program (Goal) is included in this period (some invitations may invite candidates for only 1 program, such as only from Federal Skilled Trades)
Express entry programs
The following are Canada’s immigration application management system for federal economic-class programs through the Express Entry system.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal skilled Worker Program
Candidates in these programs, as well as some PNPs, are given a score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
What is CRS?
“The Comprehensive Rating System (CRS) is used by the Express Entry System to score candidates who apply through the federal government’s Skilled Worker Programs. These programs include the Federal Skilled Workers Program, the Federal Skilled Trade Program, and the Canada Experience Class.” The points you get from CRS include a primary set of up to 600 points and a set of up to 600 extra points. Your whole rating will be out of 1,200.
Human Capitals Points (up to 600 points)
- Factors of skill and experience
- Spouse or common-law partner factors, such as their language skills and education
- Skill transfer, including education and work experience
Extra: up to 600 points
- A Canadian degree, diploma, or certificate
- A legitimate job offer
- Nomination from a province or region
- A brother or sister living in Canada who is a citizen
Invitation to Apply (ITA)
The standard procedure used to issue ITA is the Comprehensive Ranking System Score. Express entry is a competitive immigration selection system and the CRS score is a points system used to rank candidates against each other. Only the most competitive candidates get ITA.
What is a tie-breaking rule?
If there comes a tie between candidates in terms of gained score, IRCC applies the tie-breaking rule. For example, candidates who had a CRS score of 478 or more, need to have submitted their Express Entry profile before October 27 at 06:18:11 UTC in order to receive an invitation.