IRCC invites 6,500 candidates in first category based draw of 2025
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued more invitations to apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system.
The department issued 6,500 ITAs in a French-proficiency category-based draw.
To be considered candidates needed to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 428, and to have created an Express Entry candidate profile before 4:41 pm Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on February 10, 2025.
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Today's draw is the fourth of the month and follows two Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws and a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) earlier in February. IRCC has issued a total of 11,601 ITAs in February alone.
Draws in 2025 thus far have predominantly focused on CEC and PNP candidates, as IRCC looks to meet its landings target for 2025-2026. In particular, immigrant landings* (the final step of the permanent residence process) of both CEC and PNP candidates are attributed to the "In-Canada Focus" category, detailed in the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan. In 2025 this group is allocated a total of 82,890 admissions in total.
*Landings or admissions are distinct from invitations (ITAs) issued through the Express Entry system. A landing occurs when a newcomer arrives in Canada for the first time after applying and being approved for permanent residence (PR) and receiving their confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) document. This is the last part of the PR application process. An ITA on the other hand allows a candidate in the Express Entry system to submit an application for PR to IRCC. The Immigration Levels Plan details landings and not ITAs.
Summary of Express Entry draws in 2025
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS score |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 21 | French language proficiency | 7,500 | 379 |
| March 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 536 | 736 |
| March 6 | French language proficiency | 4,500 | 410 |
| March 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 667 |
| February 19 | French language proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| February 5 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| February 4 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| January 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| January 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
How can I improve my CRS score?
Express Entry candidates have several avenues to improve their CRS scores and thus increase their chances of receiving an ITA. These include:
- Obtaining a provincial nomination: A provincial nomination can add an extra 600 CRS points to a candidate's profile, all but guaranteeing them an ITA in the next eligible draw. Obtaining a provincial nomination is done through a process known as "enhanced nomination", wherein candidates in an Express Entry-aligned PNP stream may have their PR application processed through the federal immigration system.
- Improving language scores: Language is a substantial scoring factor under the CRS which can add as many as 310 CRS points to a candidate's profile, when combined with other factors, like education. Candidates with a spouse or partner can add up to an extra 320 CRS points through a combination of their language scores and other scoring factors.
- Making an eligible spouse/partner the principal candidate: In certain cases, a candidate's accompanying spouse or partner may have a higher CRS score than the principal candidate. In these instances, the couple may wish to switch their profiles so that the accompanying spouse or partner becomes the principal applicant, or even submit two different candidate profiles, so that each person may serve as the principal applicant.
- Gaining an additional education credential: Education within the CRS can account for up to 200 points for candidates who completed their education outside of Canada, and up to 250 points for candidates who have at least one post-secondary credential from a Canadian school. Candidates in the Express Entry pool who completed their education outside of Canada may also wish to obtain an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) to receive points on a degree or education credential already awarded.
- Work experience: Additional Canadian and/or foreign work experience can contribute a considerable number of CRS points to a candidate's profile. In addition to obtaining more eligible, skilled work experience, candidates in the Express Entry pool may also be able to increase their CRS scores by better documenting their current work experience.
For more information on ways that Express Entry candidates can increase their CRS scores, visit our dedicated webpage.
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