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Express Entry Draw Sees The Lowest CRS Cut-Off Score Since August

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Express Entry Draw Sees The Lowest CRS Cut-Off Score Since August

Express Entry draw sees the lowest CRS cut-off score since August. IRCC issued 4,500 ITAs in a French-language proficiency draw.

In order to be considered for this draw, candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 410. In addition, candidates also have to create an Express Entry profile before 7:47 am Universal Coordinated Time on February 11, 2025. 

Summary Of Express Entry Draws In 2025

Express Entry draw sees the lowest CRS cut-off score since August. Below is the summary of the Express Entry draw results. Take a look!

Date  Draw Type Number Of ITAs  Cut-Off CRS Score
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

The recent draw is the second of the month. It follows a Provincial Nominee Program draw on March 3. 

Express Entry draws in 2025 have majorly focused on Canadian Experience Class (CEC) as well as PNP candidates, following the immigration department’s commitment to prioritizing in-Canada candidates for ITAs. Thus far in the year, there have been four PNP draws and three CEC draws. 

As of March 6, 2025, IRCC has held two draws this year under Express Entry category-based selections – both for candidates with French language proficiency. Previously, the department issued 6,500 ITAs to candidates with advanced French proficiency on February 19. 

IRCC also recently announced its priority categories for 2025, adding a category for education occupations in the process. These 2025 priority categories are: 

  • French-Language Proficiency 
  • Healthcare and Social Services Professions
  • Trade professions 
  • Education Professions 

I Am Already Working In Canada. Does This Count As A Valid Job Offer Under Express Entry? 

In the spring of this year, IRCC plans to remove CRS points for employment offers of arranged employment under the Express Entry system. This change will reduce some applicant’s CRS scores by as much as 50/ 200 points, thus impacting their chances of obtaining an ITA. 

In this context, it is vital to know which candidates might be impacted. Working in Canada on a work permit is not the same as an employment offer of arranged employment under Express Entry. 

In order to work full-time in Canada as a foreign national, newcomers need work permits. Moreover, to meet the requirements to award CRS points under Express Entry, a job offer should be: 

  • Full-time and non-seasonal
  • A minimum of one year in duration 
  • For a skilled job in a NOC TEER level 0, 1, 2, or 3
  • Be recent, i.e., issued within the last year
  • From an employer who is not an embassy, consulate, or high commission  

In addition, valid job offers must usually be supported by an LMIA, i.e., Labor Market Impact Assessment, which an employer must apply for and obtain, to prove that a Canadian worker was not available within the labor market to fill this role instead. 

If you are obtaining points for an offer of employment that meets the above-listed conditions, you may be impacted by the impending removal of CRS points. Note that this change will not impact CRS points derived from your foreign or Canadian work experience. 

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