Breaking: IRCC Issues 4,500 ITAs in Lowest CRS Cut-Off Since August!
Latest Express Entry draw: 4,500 ITAs issued in French-language category with a CRS cut-off of 410. Learn about Express Entry updates, 2025 priorities & job offer changes.
Latest Express Entry Draw Overview
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 4,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the latest Express Entry draw, specifically targeting candidates with French-language proficiency. This marks the lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score since August 2024, set at 410.
Candidates eligible for this draw must have created an Express Entry profile before 7:47 AM UTC on February 11, 2025. This is the second draw of the month, following a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on March 3, 2025.
Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2025
| 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 |
In 2025, IRCC has prioritized draws for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and PNP candidates, reaffirming its commitment to selecting in-Canada applicants. To date, there have been four PNP draws and three CEC draws.
Express Entry Category-Based Selections
IRCC has conducted two category-based selection draws this year for candidates with French-language proficiency. Previously, on February 19, 2025, 6,500 ITAs were issued to candidates demonstrating advanced French skills.
Additionally, IRCC has announced its priority categories for 2025, introducing a new category for education occupations. The current priority categories include:
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French-language proficiency
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Healthcare and social services occupations
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Trade occupations
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Education occupations
Impact of CRS Point Removal for Job Offers
A major change is coming to the Express Entry system—CRS points for job offers of arranged employment will be removed. This could reduce some candidates’ CRS scores by 50 to 200 points, significantly affecting their chances of receiving an ITA.
Understanding Job Offers Under Express Entry
Simply working in Canada does not qualify as a valid job offer under Express Entry. To earn CRS points, a job offer must meet the following conditions:
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Full-time and non-seasonal
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At least one year in duration
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For a skilled occupation under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
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Issued within the past year
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From an eligible employer (not an embassy, consulate, or high commission)
Additionally, most valid job offers require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which ensures that no qualified Canadian worker was available to fill the position.
If you currently receive CRS points for an eligible job offer, you may be affected by this upcoming change. However, points awarded for Canadian or foreign work experience will remain unaffected.
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