IRCC holds the first category-based draw of 2025. The applicants have been invited via the Express Entry system.
The department issued 6,500 ITAs in a French-proficiency category-based draw. Moreover, a 428 CRS score and an Express Entry profile were required.
Well, applicants also had to create an Express Entry applicant profile before 4:41 pm Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on February 10, 2025.
The most recent draw is the fourth of the month. It follows two Provincial Nominee Program draws as well as a Canadian Experience Class earlier in February. The immigration department has issued around 11,601 ITAs in February till now.
Draws in this year have predominantly focused on CEC as well as PNP applicants as IRCC looks to meet its landings target for 2025-2026. Particularly, immigrant landings of both CEC and PNP applicants are facilitated under 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.
It is vital to note that landings/ admissions are distinct from invitations issued via 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 and obtaining their confirmation of permanent residence document. On the other hand, an ITA, i.e., invitation to apply allows an applicant in the Express Entry system to submit an application for permanent residence to IRCC.
Summary Of Express Entry Draws In 2025
IRCC holds the first category-based draw of 2025. Here is the summary of all Express Entry draws in 2025. Take a look!
| 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 applicants can enhance their CRS scores via various strategies, thus boosting their chances of obtaining an ITA. Some key options include:
1. Securing A Provincial Nomination
A provincial nomination can help add an additional 600 CRS points to an applicant’s profile, all but guaranteeing them an invitation to apply (ITA) in the upcoming eligible draw. Obtaining a provincial nomination is done via a process known as ‘enhanced nomination,’ wherein applicants in an Express Entry-aligned PNP stream might have their PR application processed via the federal immigration system.
2. Enhancing Language Proficiency
Language is a substantial scoring factor under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which can add over 310 CRS points to an applicant’s profile when combined with other attributes like education. Applicants with a spouse or partner can add up to an extra 320 CRS points via a combination of their language scores as well as other scoring factors.
3. Designating An Eligible Spouse/Partner As The Principal Applicant
In certain cases, an applicant’s accompanying spouse or partner may have a higher CRS score compared to the principal applicant. In these instances, the couple might want to switch their profiles so that the accompanying spouse/ partner becomes the principal applicant or even submit two different applicant profiles so that every person might serve as the principal applicant.
4. Earning An Additional Education Credential
Education within the CRS can account for around 200 points for applicants who have completed their education outside of Canada. Moreover, up to 250 CRS points is for applicants who have at least one post-secondary credential from a Canadian school. Applicants in the Express Entry pool who completed their education outside of Canada might also want to receive an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) to attain points on a degree/ education credential already awarded.
5. Work Experience
Additional Canadian and/ or foreign work experience can contribute a considerable number of CRS points to an applicant’s profile. In addition to receiving more eligible, skilled work experience, applicants in the Express Entry pool may also be able to increase their CRS scores by better documenting their present work experience.
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