Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 536 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in its latest Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw. Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 736 to be considered. Eligible applicants also needed to have created their Express Entry profile before March 12, 2025, at 2:02 PM UTC.
This marks the third Express Entry draw in March 2025, following a French-language proficiency draw on March 6 and another PNP draw on March 3. So far this year, IRCC has alternated between Canadian Experience Class (CEC), PNP, and French-language proficiency draws, with some larger draws issuing thousands of ITAs.
Key Highlights of 2025 Express Entry Draws
- Larger Draws: Recent French-language proficiency draws on March 6 and February 19 issued over 4,000 ITAs each.
- CEC Draws: The February 5 CEC draw invited 4,000 candidates with a CRS cutoff of 521.
- Priority Categories: On February 27, IRCC announced its 2025 priority categories, adding education to the list. The updated categories are:
1. French-language proficiency,
2. Healthcare and social services occupations,
3. Trade occupations, and
4. Education occupations.
IRCC has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing candidates with Canadian experience and French-language proficiency in Express Entry draws.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s applicant management system for three key economic immigration programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC),
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which evaluates human capital factors such as age, occupation, education, language ability, and work experience. Each factor is assigned a score, and the total determines the candidate’s CRS score.
Why Are CRS Scores Higher in PNP Draws?
Express Entry candidates nominated by a province receive an additional 600 CRS points, significantly boosting their scores. Candidates may also earn points for having family in Canada or immigrating with a spouse or partner.
Note: As of now, candidates can still earn additional CRS points for arranged employment. However, IRCC plans to remove these points in Spring 2025.
Conclusion
Express Entry continues to play a vital role in Canada’s immigration strategy, addressing labor market needs and economic growth. With alternating draws and priority categories, IRCC ensures a balanced approach to welcoming skilled immigrants. Stay updated on the latest draws and CRS trends to maximize your chances of receiving an ITA.
By focusing on key factors like French-language proficiency, healthcare, trades, and education, IRCC is shaping a robust immigration system that aligns with Canada’s evolving needs.
