Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued additional invitations to apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system.
In the latest draw, IRCC issued 6,500 ITAs under the French-language proficiency category. To be eligible, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 428 and had to create an Express Entry profile before 4:41 pm Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on February 10, 2025.
This draw marks the fourth of the month, following two draws for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and one for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) earlier in February. So far in February, IRCC has issued a total of 11,601 ITAs.
Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration
The Express Entry draws in 2025 have primarily focused on CEC and PNP candidates, as IRCC works towards meeting its landing targets for 2025-2026. Specifically, the “In-Canada Focus” category, part of the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, facilitates the landing of CEC and PNP candidates. For 2025, this category is allocated a total of 82,890 admissions.
Note: “Landings” or “admissions” refer to the final step in the permanent residence process when a newcomer arrives in Canada. This is distinct from receiving an ITA, which allows a candidate to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system. The Immigration Levels Plan outlines landing targets, not ITA issuance.
Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2025
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
How to Improve Your CRS Score
Express Entry candidates have several options for improving their CRS scores and boosting their chances of receiving an ITA:
- Obtain a Provincial Nomination: A provincial nomination can add 600 CRS points, nearly guaranteeing an ITA in the next eligible draw. This is achieved through the “enhanced nomination” process, where candidates in Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams may have their application processed federally.
- Improve Language Scores: Language proficiency is a major factor in CRS scoring, potentially adding up to 310 points when combined with other factors like education. Candidates with a spouse or partner can earn an additional 320 CRS points through a combination of language scores and other factors.
- Make an Eligible Spouse/Partner the Principal Applicant: In some cases, a candidate’s spouse or partner may have a higher CRS score. In such situations, the couple can switch roles, making the spouse/partner the principal applicant or even submit separate profiles with each person as the principal applicant.
- Gain an Additional Education Credential: Education can account for up to 200 CRS points for candidates who completed their education abroad, and up to 250 points for those with Canadian post-secondary credentials. Candidates with foreign credentials can also have them assessed through an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) to gain CRS points.
- Gain More Work Experience: Additional Canadian or foreign work experience can significantly boost CRS scores. Candidates can also improve their scores by better documenting their current work experience.
