Draw #279

Express Entry draw #279 was held on January 10, 2024, issuing 1,510 invitations to apply for permanent residence under the General category with a minimum CRS score of 546.

The CRS cutoff rose 4 points from the previous General draw, indicating higher competition among candidates in this category.

A cutoff of 546 is on the higher end for General draws, meaning candidates needed strong profiles across age, education, language, and work experience to qualify.

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.