Draw #281

Express Entry draw #281 was held on January 31, 2024, issuing 730 invitations to apply for permanent residence under the General category with a minimum CRS score of 541.

The CRS cutoff dropped 2 points compared to the previous General draw, suggesting increased competition relief or larger pool capacity.

A cutoff of 541 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.