A total of 3,264 candidates have been issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the first Express Entry draw to occur in August, 2017. The latest draw, which took place on August 2, saw a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement of 441. Therefore, candidates in the Express Entry pool with a score of 441 or above at the time of the draw are now in a position to apply for Canadian permanent resident status.

In order to be in a position to receive an ITA in an Express Entry draw, individuals are first required to meet the eligibility criteria of one of the three immigration programs managed through the Express Entry system — the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC), Federal Skilled Trades Class (FTSC), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Upon entering the pool, candidates are assigned a CRS score based on factors including civil status information, education, work experience, language ability, and other criteria. This score determines their ranking in the pool. During periodic draws, IRCC issues ITAs to the highest-ranking candidates. Those candidates who receive an ITA may submit an application for Canadian permanent resident status.