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IRCC Invites 6,500 Candidates in First Category-Based Draw of the Year
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another Express Entry draw, inviting 6,500 candidates under the French-proficiency category.
To be eligible, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 428 and must have created their Express Entry profile before 4:41 PM Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on February 10, 2025.
This is the fourth Express Entry draw this month, following two Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws and one Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw. With this latest round, IRCC has issued a total of 11,601 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in February alone.
Express Entry Draws List of 2025
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
| 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 |
IRCC’s Focus on CEC and PNP Candidates in 2025
So far in 2025, IRCC has primarily invited candidates from the CEC and PNP streams to align with its 2025-2026 immigration targets. The Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027 has allocated 82,890 spots under the “In-Canada Focus” category, which includes these candidates.
Understanding ITAs vs. Landings
ITAs and landings serve different purposes in the immigration process. An ITA allows a candidate to submit a permanent residency application through Express Entry. A landing, on the other hand, occurs when an approved immigrant officially arrives in Canada after receiving a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). While IRCC reports the number of ITAs issued, the Immigration Levels Plan specifically tracks landings.
How to Improve Your CRS Score
For candidates aiming to boost their CRS scores and increase their chances of receiving an ITA, the following strategies can help:
- Provincial Nomination: Receiving a nomination from a province adds 600 CRS points, significantly improving the chances of getting an ITA. Express Entry candidates can apply through enhanced nomination streams.
- Language Proficiency: Higher language test scores can contribute up to 310 points, and candidates with a spouse or partner can earn up to 320 points through combined factors.
- Selecting the Right Principal Applicant: If a spouse or partner has a stronger CRS score, switching the principal applicant can increase the chances of receiving an ITA. Couples can also submit two separate profiles to improve their odds.
- Gaining Additional Education Credentials: Education contributes up to 200 CRS points for foreign degrees and up to 250 points for Canadian qualifications. Candidates with international degrees should obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to maximize points.
- Increasing Work Experience: Both Canadian and foreign work experience contribute to CRS scores. Ensuring that work history is properly documented can lead to a higher ranking in the pool.
With more Express Entry draws expected throughout the year, candidates should explore ways to strengthen their profiles and improve their chances of securing permanent residency.