IRCC Issues 7,500 Express Entry ITAs in Second Draw of the Week

Recent Draw Overview

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted another Express Entry draw, issuing 7,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in the French language proficiency category. This draw required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 379, with profiles submitted before 2:53 am UTC on March 6, 2025.

This marks the lowest CRS cut-off for an Express Entry draw since February 29, 2024, making it a significant opportunity for French-speaking candidates aiming for permanent residence in Canada.

Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2025

Here’s a quick summary of the draws conducted by IRCC so far in 2025:

Increased Focus on In-Canada Candidates

IRCC remains committed to prioritizing candidates already residing in Canada for permanent residence. This strategy aligns with the trend of recent draws, where a higher number of ITAs have been issued to in-Canada applicants, reflecting the government’s objective of strengthening the domestic labor market.

Express Entry Profile Validity and Next Steps

Candidates should be aware that Express Entry profiles remain valid for one year. After this period, the profile expires, and candidates must submit a new profile through the IRCC permanent residence portal.

To increase the chances of receiving an ITA, candidates are encouraged to submit their profile well before the tie-breaking rule cut-off time. IRCC’s tie-breaking rule determines which profiles are considered when candidates have the same CRS score, giving preference to profiles submitted before the designated date and time.

Future Outlook and Ministerial Mandates

While a formal Mandate Letter has not yet been issued to the newly appointed Immigration Minister, Rachel Bendayan, IRCC continues to follow previously established policies. With 30,683 ITAs already issued in 2025, the department’s focus remains on aligning immigration policies with Canada’s long-term economic and demographic goals.