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7,500 Express Entry Candidates Receive ITAs in IRCC Second Draw This Week
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 7,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in its latest Express Entry draw, targeting candidates with strong French language proficiency. This draw required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 379. Additionally, candidates needed to have created their Express Entry profile before 2:53 a.m. Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on March 6, 2025, to be considered.
Express Entry Draws List of 2025
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
| March 21 | French Language Proficiency | 7,500 | 379 |
| March 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 536 | 736 |
| 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 |
Lowest CRS Cut-Off in Over a Year
This draw featured the lowest CRS cut-off score seen since February 29, 2024. It is also the fourth Express Entry draw this month and the second of the week. The previous draws included a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-specific draw on March 17 and another French-language proficiency draw earlier in the month.
The last Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw occurred on February 5, when IRCC invited 4,000 candidates under this category. With this latest round, the total number of ITAs issued so far this year has reached 30,683.
IRCC’s Focus on In-Canada Candidates
IRCC continues to prioritize candidates who are already residing in Canada for permanent residence. This trend has been noticeable since mid-2024, as IRCC aims to streamline the immigration process for those already contributing to the Canadian workforce and society.
While newly appointed Immigration Minister Rachel Bendayan has yet to receive a formal Mandate Letter from Prime Minister Mark Carney, prioritizing in-Canada candidates is a policy that Canada’s new leader has previously supported.
What Happens When an Express Entry Profile Expires?
Express Entry profiles remain valid for up to one year. After this period, they expire and are no longer considered active within the system.
Candidates who still wish to remain in the Express Entry pool must submit a new profile through the IRCC permanent residence portal. It is recommended that applicants save their previous profile details to simplify the re-submission process.
Understanding IRCC’s Tie-Breaking Rule
The date and time of Express Entry profile submission can impact a candidate’s chances of receiving an ITA. IRCC follows a tie-breaking rule, which means that if multiple candidates have the same CRS score, only those who submitted their profile before a specific cut-off time will receive an invitation.
Even if a candidate meets the CRS cut-off score, they may not receive an ITA if their profile was created after the tie-breaking deadline. This emphasizes the importance of early profile submission for those aiming to secure an ITA in upcoming draws.
IRCC latest Express Entry draw highlights the continued focus on welcoming French-speaking candidates and prioritizing applicants already in Canada. With more draws expected in the coming months, candidates should stay updated on eligibility requirements and ensure their profiles remain active in the system.
For those preparing to apply, understanding key aspects like CRS scores, profile validity, and tie-breaking rules can significantly improve their chances of receiving an ITA.