Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 6,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in its first category-based Express Entry draw of 2025, targeting candidates with strong French language proficiency.
Key Details of the Draw
To be considered, candidates were required to meet the following criteria:
- A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 428
- An Express Entry profile created before February 10, 2025, at 4:41 PM UTC
This marks the fourth Express Entry draw in February, following two Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws and one Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw earlier in the month. With this latest round, IRCC has issued a total of 11,601 ITAs in February alone.
IRCC’s Immigration Priorities for 2025
Express Entry draws in 2025 have largely focused on Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, aligning with IRCC’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan. The plan prioritizes an “In-Canada Focus” category, with a total of 82,890 permanent resident (PR) admissions allocated for 2025 under these programs.
It is important to note that an ITA (Invitation to Apply) allows a candidate to submit a PR application, while an actual landing or admission refers to a newcomer officially arriving in Canada after being approved for permanent residence and receiving their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
Summary of 2025 Express Entry Draws So Far
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs Issued | Cut-off CRS Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 19 | French Language Proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 17 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 646 | 750 |
| February 5 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 4,000 | 521 |
| February 4 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 455 | 802 |
| January 23 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 1,350 | 542 |
| January 7 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 471 | 793 |
How to Improve Your CRS Score for Express Entry
Candidates who did not receive an ITA in this draw can take several steps to improve their CRS score and increase their chances in future rounds:
- Obtain a Provincial Nomination (PNP): A provincial nomination adds 600 extra CRS points, practically guaranteeing an ITA in the next eligible draw. Express Entry candidates can apply for nomination through enhanced PNP streams.
- Improve Your Language Scores: Language ability is a significant factor in CRS scoring. By improving their IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF scores, candidates can earn up to 310 points (or 320 points for those with a spouse or partner).
- Consider Your Spouse/Partner’s Profile: If an accompanying spouse or partner has a higher CRS score, switching the principal applicant could increase the overall chances of receiving an ITA.
- Upgrade Your Education Credentials:
- A foreign credential with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) can add up to 200 CRS points.
- A Canadian post-secondary credential can contribute up to 250 points.
- Gain More Work Experience: More Canadian and/or foreign skilled work experience can significantly boost CRS points. Candidates should also ensure they properly document their current work experience to maximize their CRS potential.
Get a Free Express Entry Assessment
At Skynet Immigration, we specialize in helping Express Entry candidates improve their CRS scores and maximize their chances of securing an ITA. If you are planning to apply for permanent residence in Canada
