Draw #243

Express Entry draw #243 was held on March 15, 2023, issuing 7,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence under the General category with a minimum CRS score of 490.

The CRS cutoff remained unchanged from the previous General draw at 490 points. IRCC also increased the invitation count by 1,500, signaling a broader intake for this round.

A cutoff of 490 is in the typical range for General draws. Candidates with a combination of youth, a master's degree, and strong language scores would generally clear this threshold.

General draws are open to all Express Entry programs (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades).

Candidates below this cutoff should consider strategies like improving language scores, obtaining a provincial nomination, or gaining Canadian work experience to close the gap.