IRCC Selects 6,500 Candidates in 2025’s First Category-Based Draw

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 6,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in its latest Express Entry draw. This draw focused on candidates with strong French language skills.

To qualify, applicants needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 428. They also had to create an Express Entry profile before 4:41 p.m. Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on February 10, 2025.

February Draws and Immigration Plans

This was the fourth draw in February, following two Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws and one for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). So far, IRCC has issued 11,601 ITAs this month.

Express Entry draws in 2025 have mostly focused on PNP and CEC candidates. The government’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027 aims to bring in 82,890 permanent residents under these categories. This plan focuses on "landings," which happen when a newcomer arrives in Canada with permanent resident approval. An ITA, on the other hand, only allows candidates to apply for PR.

Recent Express Entry Draws

On February 19, IRCC invited 6,500 candidates in the French language category with a CRS cut-off of 428. On February 17, a PNP draw issued 646 ITAs to candidates with a CRS of 750. Earlier in the month, the February 5 CEC draw invited 4,000 candidates with a CRS of 521, while the February 4 PNP draw issued 455 ITAs to candidates with a CRS of 802.

In January, IRCC also held multiple draws. The January 23 CEC draw invited 4,000 candidates with a CRS cut-off of 527. Another CEC draw on January 8 issued 1,350 ITAs with a CRS of 542. A PNP draw on January 7 invited 471 candidates with a CRS of 793.

How to Improve CRS Scores

Express Entry candidates can take several steps to improve their CRS scores:

• Get a Provincial Nomination: A nomination from a province adds 600 points, greatly increasing the chances of an ITA.
• Improve Language Scores: Higher scores in English or French can add up to 310 points, or 320 for those applying with a spouse or partner.
• Select the Best Principal Applicant: If applying as a couple, the person with the higher CRS score should be the main applicant.
• Enhance Education Credentials: Higher education levels can add up to 250 points, especially for those with a Canadian degree.
• Gain More Work Experience: Additional skilled work experience, whether in Canada or abroad, can significantly boost CRS points.