More invitations to apply (ITAs) have been sent to applicants using the Express Entry system by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 4,500 ITAs were distributed by the immigration authorities to applicants who participated in a French-language proficiency draw.
Candidates had to create an Express Entry candidate profile by 7:47 am Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on February 11, 2025, and have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 410 in order to be eligible for this draw.
An overview of the 2025 Express Entry drawings
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 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on March 3 was followed by today's draw, which is the second of the month.
In 2025, Express Entry drawings have mostly targeted PNP and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates, in line with the IRCC's pledge to give preference to in-Canada applicants for ITAs. There have been three CEC draws and four PNP draws so far this year.
As of March 6, 2025, the IRCC has conducted two drawings this year for candidates who are proficient in French under the Express Entry category-based selections. Prior to this, on February 19, the department sent out 6,500 ITAs to applicants who were very proficient in French.
Additionally, the immigration administration has revealed its 2025 priority categories, which now include a category for vocations in education. The following are the 2025 priority categories:
French-language proficiency;
Healthcare and social services occupations;
Trade occupations; and
Education occupations.
Does my current employment in Canada qualify as a legitimate Express Entry job offer?
The IRCC intends to eliminate CRS points for job offers of arranged employment under the Express Entry system in the spring of this year. Some candidates' chances of getting an ITA may be significantly impacted by this adjustment, which will lower their CRS scores by as much as 50 or 200 points.
Knowing which candidates can be affected in this situation is crucial. A job offer of scheduled employment under Express Entry is not the same as working in Canada on a work permit.
Foreign nationals who are new to Canada and not permanent residents must obtain work permits in order to work full-time. In certain situations, they just need study permits, such as when they are pursuing a co-op placement.
In order for a job offer to qualify for CRS points under Express Entry, it must be:
Full-time and non-seasonal;
At least a year in duration;
For a skilled job in a National Occupation Classification (NOC) Training Education Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) level 0, 1, 2, or 3;
Be recent (issued within the last year); and
From an employer who is not an embassy, consulate, or high commission.
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which a business must apply for and obtain, is also typically required to support legitimate job offers in order to demonstrate that there was no Canadian worker available in the labour market to fill the position in question.
The upcoming withdrawal of CRS points may affect you if you're receiving points for an employment offer that satisfies the aforementioned requirements. Please take note that this change will not affect CRS points earned from your job experience, whether it be in Canada or abroad.
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