IRCC issues invitations in the first category-based draw of 2025. Candidates were invited in a French-proficiency category-based draw.
In addition, candidates needed a CRS score of 428 to be considered.
Moreover, they had to create an Express Entry candidate profile before 4:41 pm Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on February 10, 2025.
The recent draw is the fourth of the month and is followed by two Provincial Nominee Program draws, along with a Canadian Experience Class earlier in February. IRCC has issued 11,601 ITAs in February alone.
Draws in 2025 have predominantly focused on CEC and PNP candidates as IRCC seeks to meet its landings target for 2025-2026. Specifically, immigrant landings of both CEC and PNP candidates are facilitated under the ‘In-Canada Focus’ category, detailed in the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan. In 2025 this group has allocated a total of 82,890 admissions.
Note that landings or admissions are different from invitations issued through the Express Entry system. A landing happens when a newcomer arrives in Canada for the first time after applying and being approved for permanent residence and receiving their confirmation of permanent residence document. An ITA, i.e., invitation to apply, on the other hand, enables a candidate in the Express Entry system to submit an application for PR to IRCC.
Summary Of Express Entry Draws In 2025
IRCC issues invitations in the first category-based draw of 2025. Below is the summary of all Express Entry draws in 2025.
| Date | Draw Type | Number Of ITAs | Cut-Off CRS Score |
| 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 One Improve Their CRS Score?
Express Entry candidates have numerous ways to improve their CRS scores and therefore increase their chances of receiving an ITA. These include:
1. Securing A Nomination From A Canadian Province
A provincial nomination can add an additional 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 called ‘enhanced nomination,’. Herein, candidates in an Express Entry-aligned PNP stream can have their PR application processed through the federal immigration system.
2. Boosting Your Language Skills
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/ partner can add up to an extra 320 CRS points through a combination of their language scores and other scoring factors.
3. Choosing Your Eligible Spouse/Partner As The Primary Applicant
In certain cases, a candidate’s accompanying spouse/ partner might have a higher CRS score as compared to the principal candidate. In these instances, the couple might wish to switch their profiles so that the accompanying spouse/ partner becomes the principal candidate or even submit two different candidate profiles so that every person might serve as the principal candidate.
4. Acquiring 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 a minimum of one post-secondary credential from a Canadian school. Candidates in the Express Entry pool who completed their education outside of Canada might also wish to receive/ get an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) to obtain points on a degree or education credential already awarded.
5. 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 might also be able to increase their CRS scores by better documenting their current work experience.
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