4,500 ITAs Issued in Express Entry Draw with Lowest CRS Score Since August 2024

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has once again issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to Express Entry candidates, with 4,500 invitations sent out in the latest round. This draw specifically targeted candidates with strong French-language skills.

To qualify for this draw, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 410 and must have submitted their Express Entry profile before 7:47 a.m. UTC on February 11, 2025.

This marks the second draw in March, following a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw earlier in the month on March 3. Throughout 2025, IRCC has primarily focused on issuing ITAs to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and PNP candidates, as part of its strategy to prioritize applicants already in Canada. So far, there have been four PNP draws and three CEC draws this year.

Latest Draw Details 

• Draw Date: March 6, 2025
• Draw Type: French Language Proficiency
• Number of Invitations: 4,500
• Minimum CRS Score Required: 410

Express Entry Draws List

Overview of Express Entry

Express Entry is a system that manages three of Canada’s main economic immigration programs:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Newcomers eligible for one of these programs must submit a profile to be entered into the Express Entry pool. They are then assigned a CRS score based on factors like skills, work experience, and language abilities. Candidates with higher CRS scores have a better chance of receiving an ITA.

Once an ITA is issued, candidates have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence (PR) application, including additional documents like police clearance certificates and proof of funds, depending on the individual’s circumstances. After the PR application is submitted, IRCC aims to process it within six months. If successful, applicants can receive PR status and must land in Canada to finalize the process.

French Language and New Other Draws

As of March 6, 2025, IRCC has conducted two category-based draws targeting French-speaking candidates. A previous draw on February 19 granted 6,500 ITAs to individuals with advanced French proficiency.

In addition, IRCC recently introduced new priority categories for 2025, adding education occupations to the list. The updated priority categories include:

• French-language proficiency
• Healthcare and social services occupations
• Trade occupations
• Education occupations

Clarification on Job Offers Under Express Entry

With IRCC planning to eliminate CRS points for arranged employment later this year, candidates must understand what qualifies as a valid job offer. The removal of these points could lower some candidates’ CRS scores by 50 to 200 points, significantly affecting their chances of receiving an ITA.

Holding a work permit or working in Canada does not automatically count as a valid job offer under Express Entry. To be eligible for CRS points, the job offer must meet specific criteria:

• Full-time and non-seasonal
• At least one year in duration
• In a skilled occupation under NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3
• Recent (issued within the past year)
• From an employer who is not a diplomatic mission (embassy, consulate, or high commission)

Additionally, most valid job offers require a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to show that no Canadian worker was available to fill the role.

If your CRS score includes points for an arranged employment offer, you could be affected by the upcoming policy change. However, points for work experience whether in Canada or abroad will remain unaffected.

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