Express Entry Update: 6,500 Invitations Issued in Latest IRCC Draw

Key Highlights of the Latest Express Entry Draw

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its first category-based Express Entry draw of 2025, focusing on candidates with French language proficiency. A total of 6,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued.

Express Entry Draw Details:

• Draw Type: French Language Proficiency

• ITAs Issued: 6,500

  
  

• Minimum CRS Score: 428

• Profile Submission Deadline: Before 4:41 PM UTC, February 10, 2025

This marks the fourth Express Entry draw of February, following two Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws and a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw. IRCC has issued a total of 11,601 ITAs this month alone.

Express Entry Trends in 2025

So far in 2025, the focus has been primarily on CEC and PNP candidates as part of IRCC's strategy to meet its 2025-2026 immigration targets. These candidates fall under the "In-Canada Focus" category within the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which allocates 82,890 admissions for this group in 2025.

Understanding ITAs vs. Landings

It is important to distinguish between an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and a landing (admission) in Canada:

• ITA: Allows an Express Entry candidate to submit a PR application to IRCC.

• Landing: The final stage of the PR process when a candidate arrives in Canada and receives confirmation of permanent residence (COPR).

Summary of 2025 Express Entry Draws

How to Improve Your CRS Score

Express Entry candidates can take several steps to enhance their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and improve their chances of receiving an ITA:

1. Obtain a Provincial Nomination

• A PNP nomination adds 600 CRS points, significantly increasing the chances of receiving an ITA.

2. Improve Language Proficiency

• Language is a crucial CRS factor, contributing up to 310 points.

• If applying with a spouse/partner, language scores combined with other factors can add up to 320 points.

3. Choose the Strongest Principal Applicant

• If an accompanying spouse/partner has a higher CRS score, they may be designated as the principal applicant.

• Some couples opt to submit separate profiles to maximize their chances.

4. Obtain Additional Education Credentials

• Education can contribute up to 200 CRS points for foreign credentials and 250 points for Canadian education.

• An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) can boost points for foreign degrees.

5. Gain More Work Experience

• More Canadian or foreign skilled work experience can lead to additional CRS points.

• Properly documenting current work experience can also increase CRS scores.

The first category-based Express Entry draw of 2025 reflects IRCC's commitment to attracting French-speaking candidates while continuing to prioritize CEC and PNP applicants. As immigration targets evolve, Express Entry candidates should focus on strategic ways to enhance their CRS scores to improve their chances of securing an ITA.