Canada Express Entry August 2025 Predictions

Canada Express Entry August 2025 Predictions: CRS Score Forecasts & Strategic Tips for Permanent Residency

Canada’s Express Entry system continues to serve as the principal pathway for skilled workers globally who aspire to achieve permanent residency within the nation. The inherently dynamic nature of this immigration framework necessitates continuous vigilance and strategic planning from prospective immigrants. As the landscape shifts towards August 2025, it is marked by significant policy adjustments and evolving draw patterns. A thorough understanding of these changes is paramount for any individual seeking to navigate this competitive environment successfully. This comprehensive report provides data-driven predictions for Express Entry draws and Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score trends for August 2025. It analyzes historical patterns, dissects the current state of the Express Entry pool, and offers actionable strategies designed to help candidates optimize their profiles and enhance their prospects for Canadian permanent residency.

The system’s non-static character, evidenced by “inconsistent draw patterns” and “notably diverse” frequencies and characteristics of draws, underscores that a passive or one-time approach to Express Entry is insufficient. The constant evolution of both quantitative metrics (e.g., number of Invitations to Apply or ITAs, CRS scores) and qualitative aspects (e.g., draw types and timing) means that candidates and immigration professionals must adopt an agile strategy. This involves continuously monitoring updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), adapting to policy shifts, and proactively refining profiles rather than relying solely on past trends. This ongoing strategic adjustment is crucial for success.

Express Entry in 2025 So Far: A Comprehensive Review

The initial seven months of 2025 have provided valuable insights into Canada’s Express Entry system, revealing distinct trends and policy directions. As of July 24, 2025, IRCC has issued 49,403 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) across various draws. This total represents a reduction compared to mid-year figures in 2023 and 2024, aligning with a decreased overall permanent resident landings target for 2025.

Draw frequency has remained high, with multiple rounds occurring in most months, including periods in March and June that featured four or more draws. Notably, IRCC has largely resumed a consistent bi-weekly draw schedule since May 2025.

A prominent development has been a clear and significant shift towards Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws, which have been far more plentiful in the first half of 2025 compared to previous years. However, despite their increased frequency, PNP selections have, on average, issued approximately 500 ITAs per draw, contributing a relatively low proportion to the overall total ITAs. Conversely, Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws have demonstrated consistency, emerging as the second most frequent type and issuing the second largest number of ITAs, accounting for 38.1% of all ITAs issued. These draws continued to issue substantial batches, such as 3,000 ITAs on July 8, 2025.

Category-based selections have also become more prevalent in the first half of 2025 than in previous years, constituting 12.1% of overall ITA totals. Draws targeting French language proficiency have been particularly impactful, comprising a significant 37.4% of all ITAs issued this year despite only three such draws occurring. These draws consistently featured the lowest cut-offs, ranging from 379 to 428. For Healthcare and Social Services occupations, cut-offs ranged from 475 to 510, with a notable draw on July 22, 2025, inviting 4,000 candidates at a CRS score of 475. Additionally, an Education Occupations draw on May 1, 2025, invited candidates with a cut-off of 479.

The observation that total ITAs are lower in 2025, while overall permanent resident targets have been reduced, points to a deliberate governmental strategy to rebalance immigration intake. This is not merely a reduction in numbers but a qualitative shift towards more targeted immigration. IRCC is prioritizing candidates who are either already in Canada (via CEC or in-Canada PNP streams) or who possess specific skills (through category-based draws) that address critical labor market needs and demographic objectives, such as bolstering Francophone communities. This rebalancing aims for a more strategic, rather than purely volume-driven, approach to immigration.

The frequent nature of PNP draws, coupled with their high CRS cut-offs and the reduced federal allocation for PNPs, indicates a bottleneck at the provincial nomination stage. While provinces are actively issuing nominations, the decreased federal target for PNPs means fewer overall ITAs are issued through this route compared to previous years. Therefore, while a PNP nomination remains the most effective way to secure an ITA due to the 600-point boost, obtaining a provincial nomination itself has likely become even more competitive and selective at the provincial level.

The disproportionately high percentage of ITAs issued through French language draws with significantly lower CRS cut-offs, alongside similar trends in Healthcare and Education categories, highlights a deliberate and effective strategy by IRCC. This approach uses category-based draws as a primary mechanism to address specific labor market and demographic needs. For candidates, this means that investing in French language proficiency or gaining experience in a targeted occupation (Healthcare, Education, Trades) offers a significantly more accessible pathway to permanent residency than solely relying on general CEC or Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) draws, which typically feature higher CRS scores due to broader competition. This creates distinct, potentially faster, routes for specific profiles.

Express Entry Draws in 2025 (January-July Snapshot)

The following table provides a factual record of Express Entry draws conducted in 2025 up to July, serving as the empirical basis for analysis and predictions. It allows for visual identification of recurring patterns in draw frequency, ITA volume, and CRS cut-offs across different program types, aiding in understanding historical trends and providing immediate context for candidates.

Draw	Date	Category	Number of ITAs	CRS Cut-Off
331	Jan 7, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program	471	793
332	Jan 8, 2025	Canadian Experience Class	1,350	542
333	Jan 23, 2025	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	527
334	Feb 4, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program	455	802
335	Feb 5, 2025	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	521
336	Feb 17, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program	646	750
337	Feb 19, 2025	French language proficiency	6,500	428
338	Mar 3, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program	725	667
339	Mar 6, 2025	French language proficiency	4,500	410
340	Mar 17, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program	536	736
341	Mar 21, 2025	French language proficiency	7,500	379
342	Apr 14, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program	825	764
343	Apr 28, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program	421	727
344	May 1, 2025	Education occupations	1,000	479
345	May 2, 2025	Healthcare and social services occupations	500	510
346	May 12, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program	511	706
347	May 13, 2025	Canadian Experience Class	500	547
348	Jun 2, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program	277	726
349	Jun 4, 2025	Healthcare and social services occupations	500	504
350	Jun 10, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program	125	784
351	Jun 12, 2025	Canadian Experience Class	3,000	529
352	Jun 23, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program	503	742
353	Jun 26, 2025	Canadian Experience Class	3,000	521
354	Jul 7, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program	356	750
355	Jul 8, 2025	Canadian Experience Class	3,000	518
356	Jul 21, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program	202	788
357	Jul 22, 2025	Healthcare and social services occupations	4,000	475

The Express Entry Pool: Entering August 2025

The current composition of the Express Entry pool directly influences the outcomes of future draws. As of July 20, 2025, the pool contained a total of 256,914 candidates. This figure indicates a slight increase from the 256,754 candidates reported as of June 22, 2025, reflecting a continued influx of new profiles.

A significant observation from the pool’s distribution is the substantial number of candidates, 78,339, clustered in the 451-500 CRS score range. This concentration represents a considerable portion of the overall pool and signals intense competition, particularly for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws. The 501-600 CRS range also holds a notable number of candidates, exceeding 21,000, with a slightly higher figure of 22,947 reported as of June 22, 2025.

The 601-1200 CRS range, while smaller in absolute numbers (200 candidates in the original data, 471 in June 22 data), primarily comprises Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominees. These candidates consistently dominate high-score draws due to the 600-point bonus they receive. An increase of over 440 candidates in this range since May 13 confirms ongoing provincial nomination activity. Conversely, lower CRS ranges, such as 301-400, are identified as prime targets for category-based draws, especially for French speakers, given the historically lower cut-offs observed in these specific categories.

The dense concentration of candidates in the 451-500 CRS range, often referred to as a “bulge,” indicates sustained pressure on CRS cut-offs for CEC draws. The sheer volume of profiles in this band means that even with large and frequent CEC draws, the CRS score for invitations is unlikely to drop significantly. The competition within this band will keep the cut-off relatively high. For candidates in this range, this is a clear signal that incremental improvements to their profile, such as enhancing language skills or obtaining additional education, or exploring alternative pathways like category-based draws or provincial nominations, are essential to differentiate themselves.

The consistent presence of PNP nominees at the very top of the CRS score distribution (601-1200 range) reinforces that obtaining a provincial nomination remains the single most impactful pathway to an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This effectively allows candidates to bypass the intense competition in lower CRS ranges. For individuals with CRS scores below the typical CEC or FSWP cut-offs, securing a PNP is the most direct and powerful strategy to boost their score into an invite-worthy bracket.

Category-based draws, particularly those targeting lower CRS ranges like 301-400 for French speakers, serve as a crucial strategic mechanism for IRCC. They enable the department to invite candidates who might otherwise not receive an ITA through general or CEC draws due to their overall CRS score, but who possess specific skills or attributes (such as French proficiency) that are critical to Canada’s labor market needs and demographic objectives. This effectively creates alternative, more accessible pathways for a significant portion of the Express Entry pool, ensuring a broader range of talent can be invited.

Express Entry Pool Distribution (as of July 20, 2025)

This table provides a critical, up-to-date snapshot of the distribution of candidates within the Express Entry pool, allowing prospective immigrants to immediately understand the competitiveness of their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score relative to the entire pool. By visualizing the concentration of candidates in different score ranges, the table helps identify crowded bands and potential opportunities, serving as empirical evidence that logically supports subsequent CRS cut-off predictions.

CRS Score Range	Number of Candidates	Percentage of Total Pool
0-300	8,331	3.24%
301-350	21,122	8.22%
351-400	54,165	21.08%
401-450	73,409	28.57%
451-500	78,339	30.49%
501-600	21,348	8.31%
601-1200	200	0.08%
Total	256,914	100.00%

Influential Factors Shaping 2025 Draws

Several overarching factors are significantly influencing the trajectory and characteristics of Express Entry draws in 2025. These include the federal immigration levels plan, recent policy adjustments, the evolution of category-based selections, and the dynamics of provincial nominee programs, all set against the backdrop of a highly competitive applicant pool.

1. Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027

The Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027, announced in late 2024, sets an overall target of 395,000 permanent residents for 2025, within a range of 367,000 to 436,000. This represents a notable reduction from the more ambitious targets set in the previous year’s plan. The plan specifically targets 232,150 economic immigrants in 2025, indicating a continued focus on skilled labor to meet national economic needs.

A strong strategic emphasis is placed on prioritizing Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, with the explicit goal of retaining skilled workers already integrated into the Canadian labor market. Approximately 83,000 temporary residents are projected to transition to permanent residency through the ‘In-Canada Focus’ category in 2025. Furthermore, provinces are now mandated to issue 75% of their PNP nominations to candidates already present in Canada. The plan maintains a strong alignment with Canada’s economic needs, with continued prioritization of sectors such as healthcare, education, and trades. A key demographic objective is to increase the proportion of admitted French-speaking permanent residents settling outside Quebec, with targets of 8.5% in 2025, rising to 10% by 2027, underscoring the strategic importance of French proficiency.

The overall permanent resident target reduction, coupled with explicit temporary resident caps, signifies a broader, national-level policy shift. This is driven by IRCC’s efforts to “slow immigration to deal with housing supply and affordability issues”. This indicates a deliberate governmental pivot to manage population growth more intentionally and address domestic infrastructure and social challenges. For Express Entry, this means that while it remains a vital pathway, the competition for ITAs will likely intensify across all streams. This highlights the critical importance of profile optimization and precise alignment with priority categories, signaling a move towards a more quality-focused rather than purely quantity-driven immigration intake.

2. Significant Policy Shifts

A major policy change implemented in March 2025 involved the explicit removal of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for job offers, which previously contributed up to 200 points. This adjustment was primarily aimed at curbing fraudulent job offers and enhancing the overall integrity of the Express Entry system. This shift has altered CRS score dynamics, pushing candidates into potentially lower score brackets and increasing their reliance on other core human capital factors such as language skills and work experience.

The federal government has also introduced measures to reduce temporary resident levels to 5% of Canada’s population and limit annual permanent resident admissions to no more than 1% of Canada’s population. These measures include capping study permit applications and imposing limits on eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) and Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs). Additionally, IRCC is set to establish a new permanent pathway to permanent residence by transitioning the existing Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) into a permanent program by the end of 2025. The EMPP is designed to connect skilled refugees and displaced persons with Canadian employers to address labor shortages.

The policy decision to remove CRS points for job offers reflects IRCC’s commitment to strengthening the integrity and fairness of the Express Entry system. For candidates, this means that while a job offer remains highly valuable for securing employment and potentially qualifying for certain Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), it no longer directly contributes to their CRS score. This levels the playing field, placing greater emphasis on intrinsic human capital factors such as language proficiency, education, and skilled work experience, which are seen as more reliable indicators of successful integration.

3. Evolution of Category-Based Selections

Category-based draws, initially introduced in 2023 and further refined for 2025, are specifically designed to target occupations or skills that align with Canada’s labor market needs and demographic goals. Significant updates effective February 27, 2025, include the introduction of the “Education Occupations” category, encompassing five eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes. Conversely, the “Transport Category” was removed from category-based draws. Existing categories were also expanded, with the “Healthcare Category” now including “Social Services occupations”, and the “Trades” category seeing a significant expansion with additional NOC codes to address skilled labor shortages. The “Agriculture and Agri-Food” category was streamlined to include only a single eligible NOC code.

The categories officially designated as priorities for category-based Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in 2025 are French-language proficiency, Healthcare and Social Services occupations, Trades occupations, and Education occupations. To qualify for most category selections, candidates must have at least six months of full-time, continuous work experience within the past three years in an occupation listed in the specific category.

The frequent updates and refinements to category-based draws, including the introduction of new categories and adjustments to existing ones, demonstrate IRCC’s agility. This reveals that category-based draws are not static; they are a flexible and responsive tool that IRCC utilizes to directly and rapidly address Canada’s evolving labor market demands and strategic immigration objectives. Candidates should therefore monitor these category changes closely, as their eligibility and competitiveness can shift based on national economic priorities, implying a potential for further adjustments or new categories in the future.

Key Changes to Express Entry Categories in 2025

This table summarizes the significant and impactful changes to Express Entry’s category-based draws, providing a concise overview for quick comprehension. By highlighting new, removed, or expanded categories, it directly informs candidates about how their occupation or strategic focus might be affected, guiding their immigration strategy.

Category Name (Old/New)	Status	Key Occupations/Focus Areas (Examples)	Impact on Candidates
Education Occupations	New	Elementary/Secondary Teachers, Early Childhood Educators, Instructors for Disabilities	Creates a new, targeted pathway for education professionals.
Transport Category	Removed	N/A	Eliminates a previous pathway, requiring candidates to explore other categories.
Healthcare and Social Services Occupations (Expanded)	Expanded	Nurses, Doctors, Social Workers, Paramedics, Therapists	Broadens opportunities for a wider range of healthcare and social service professionals.
Trades Occupations (Expanded)	Expanded	Roofers, Heavy Duty Mechanics, Bricklayers, Cooks	Increases pathways for skilled trades workers, addressing labor shortages.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations (Streamlined)	Streamlined	Butchers – retail and wholesale (NOC 63201)	Narrows focus within this category, potentially increasing competition for the remaining occupation.
French-Language Proficiency	Continued Priority	All occupations, strong French skills (CLB 7+)	Remains a highly prioritized pathway with historically lower CRS cut-offs.

4. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Dynamics

PNP allocations have been significantly reduced to 55,000 in 2025, a sharp decrease from an expected 110,000 in 2024. This reduction is likely to result in fewer ITAs issued through PNP Express Entry draws, although the frequency of these draws is expected to remain similar to 2024. Provinces are becoming more selective in their nominations, partly due to the federal mandate to prioritize in-Canada candidates. For instance, provinces like Ontario and British Columbia may increasingly favor candidates in high-demand sectors such as healthcare and education, which could potentially push CRS cut-offs higher for their nominations. Provinces also have the option to regain some of their lost PNP spots by agreeing to accept more refugees.

The significant reduction in federal PNP allocations places immense pressure on provincial programs. This could lead to provinces implementing stricter nomination criteria, increasing competition for provincial nominations, and potentially focusing even more narrowly on specific, high-demand occupations within their jurisdictions. The inclusion of a “refugee-for-spots” option also highlights a humanitarian dimension intertwined with the economic immigration strategy, indicating a multi-faceted approach to meeting immigration goals.

5. Pool Competition

The substantial concentration of candidates in the 451-500 CRS range indicates sustained pressure on CRS cut-offs for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws. As a result, the cut-off score for CEC is more likely to remain above 500. Candidates within this competitive range are strongly advised to explore their options in various category-based draws or to focus on improving their French language skills to differentiate themselves.

August 2025 Express Entry Predictions: A Detailed Forecast

Based on historical data, current pool dynamics, and recent policy trends, the following outlines the anticipated Express Entry landscape for August 2025.

Projected Number and Timing of Draws

Following the consistent bi-weekly pattern that IRCC has largely maintained since May 2025, it is anticipated that 3-4 draws will occur throughout August. Based on this pattern, draws are expected around August 5, August 19, and August 31. The August 5th prediction is particularly well-supported across multiple sources. The total number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued in August is projected to be approximately 6,000-8,000. This aligns with the monthly averages observed earlier in 2025 and is consistent with community discussions suggesting around 7,500 invites per month in June and July.

In-depth Predictions by Draw Type

PNP Draws (Provincial Nominee Program):

• Frequency: Expect 1-2 PNP draws in August.
• ITAs per Draw: Approximately 300 ITAs per PNP draw. This is consistent with recent PNP draw sizes.
• CRS Cut-Off: Projected to be between 750-770. This range is maintained due to the significant 600-point nomination bonus, which keeps scores high, despite reduced PNP targets limiting draw sizes.

CEC Draws (Canadian Experience Class):

• Frequency: Expect 1-2 CEC draws in August.
• ITAs per Draw: Projected to be between 3,000-4,000.
• CRS Cut-Off: Anticipated to be between 515-520. The sustained focus on Canadian experience continues to drive these draws, but the competitive nature of the pool, particularly the high concentration of candidates in the 451-500 range, is expected to keep cut-offs upward.

Category-Based Draws:

• Frequency: At least 1 category-based draw is expected. A trade draw is a strong possibility, given that it is a priority category that has not seen a recent draw.
• Categories and Cut-Offs:
  • Healthcare: Approximately 1,500 ITAs, with a CRS cut-off between 475-510.
  • French Proficiency: Approximately 1,000 ITAs, with a CRS cut-off between 400-430.
  • Education: Approximately 800 ITAs, with a CRS cut-off around 479.
• Rationale: These categories align directly with Canada’s 2025 immigration priorities, offering comparatively lower cut-offs for specialized candidates who meet specific labor market or demographic needs.

CRS Score Trends

• PNP: Expected to remain stable in the 700-800 range due to the consistent impact of nomination points.
• CEC: Likely to rise slightly to 515-520 as the pool of Canadian-experienced candidates continues to grow and competition remains high.
• Category-Based: Will remain variable, with French language proficiency draws consistently dipping to the lowest cut-offs, offering a strategic advantage.

These predictions reflect Canada’s balanced immigration approach, aiming to meet critical labor needs while effectively managing a competitive applicant pool.

August 2025 Express Entry Draw Predictions

This table summarizes the detailed predictions for August 2025, providing a clear overview of anticipated draw types, invitation volumes, and CRS cut-off scores, along with their primary focus areas.

Draw Type	ITAs	CRS Cut-Off	Focus
PNP	300	750-770	Provincial nominees
CEC	3,000-4,000	515-520	In-Canada workers
Category: Healthcare	1,500	475-510	Nurses, doctors, social services
Category: French	1,000	400-430	Francophones
Category: Education	800	~479	Teachers, professors
Category: Trades (Potential)	~4,000	Variable	Skilled Trades

Strategic Recommendations to Optimize Your CRS Score

Success within the Express Entry system is not merely a matter of waiting for a draw; it requires proactive optimization of one’s profile. Candidates can significantly enhance their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and improve their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) by focusing on key areas.

1. Master Language Proficiency

Language skills, demonstrated through official tests like IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF, are among the most substantial contributors to a candidate’s CRS score. Aiming for a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 9 or higher, for instance, achieving IELTS scores of 8 in Listening and 7 in other sections, can significantly boost points. Retaking language tests if necessary is a worthwhile investment, as every point can be impactful. Furthermore, developing French language skills offers a distinct advantage, potentially qualifying candidates for lower-cut-off, category-based draws specifically targeting Francophone proficiency.

2. Leverage Canadian Experience

Canadian work experience is highly valued within the Express Entry system, particularly for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws, and it adds significant CRS points. Candidates should strive to secure at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada under a National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, or 2 category. If job changes occur, ensuring they remain skill-aligned is crucial for maintaining eligibility and maximizing points.

3. Upgrade Education

Higher educational credentials contribute positively to CRS scores and can align candidates with specific education-focused draws. Pursuing a Canadian degree or obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign credentials is recommended. Having multiple degrees can further enhance a candidate’s score.

4. Chase Provincial Nominations

A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination is a powerful tool, adding 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score and effectively propelling them to the top of the Express Entry pool. Candidates should actively research and engage with provincial programs, such as those in Manitoba (known for openness to diverse skills) or New Brunswick (with a focus on healthcare), and tailor their Express Entry profile to meet specific provincial needs and priorities.

Conclusion

August 2025 is poised to be a pivotal month for Express Entry candidates, as IRCC continues to fine-tune its immigration strategy. Opportunities will be available for those whose profiles align with national priorities, whether through healthcare expertise, French fluency, or Canadian work experience. However, the competitive nature of the Express Entry pool means that strategic preparation is not merely beneficial but non-negotiable.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws will continue to reward candidates with provincial alignment, though draw sizes are likely to remain constrained due to reduced federal allocations. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws will maintain their focus on in-Canada experience, with CRS cut-offs anticipated to remain relatively high due to significant pool competition. Concurrently, category-based draws will continue to open doors for candidates with specialized skills or French language proficiency, offering more accessible pathways to permanent residency.

While CRS cut-offs may climb in some areas, proactive and strategic moves—such as mastering language proficiency, upgrading educational credentials, or actively pursuing provincial nominations—can significantly improve a candidate’s position. It is critical for all prospective immigrants to remain informed by regularly consulting official sources like the IRCC website for the latest draw updates. August 2025 presents a significant opportunity for many; proactive engagement and profile optimization are key to realizing the Canadian permanent residency dream.

Regarding common inquiries:

• When can the next Express Entry draw be expected? Based on the bi-weekly pattern, draws are anticipated around August 5, August 19, and August 31, with a total projected ITAs of approximately 6,000-8,000.
• Will the CRS score go down to 470? A general or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw is unlikely to see a CRS cut-off as low as 470, as these typically remain above 500. However, category-based draws, particularly for healthcare or French language proficiency, may occasionally dip to 470 or lower, depending on specific demand and pool dynamics.
• Is 450 a good CRS score for CEC? A CRS score of 450 is generally below the typical CEC draw cut-off, which has been in the 515-520 range in 2025. Candidates with this score should focus on improving their language scores or gaining more Canadian experience to enhance their competitiveness.
• Can permanent residency be obtained with a 350 CRS score? Obtaining permanent residency with a 350 CRS score is highly unlikely without a provincial nomination, which adds 600 points. While French proficiency or specific category-based draws (with cut-offs historically ranging from 380-430) might offer a rare chance, a 350 CRS score remains highly competitive for direct invitation.