IRCC Continues Strong Start to 2025 with More Express Entry Draws
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has once again issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system, reinforcing its commitment to attracting skilled immigrants to Canada.
In the latest draw, IRCC invited 646 candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). To qualify, applicants needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 750 and must have submitted their Express Entry profile before 5:41 PM UTC on July 23, 2024.
Recent Express Entry Draws and Trends
This marks the third Express Entry draw in February, following another PNP-specific draw on February 4, which invited 455 candidates, and a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw on February 5, which saw 4,000 ITAs issued.
Since the beginning of 2025, IRCC has focused its Express Entry draws on PNP and CEC candidates. Notably, category-based draws for French speakers, healthcare workers, and tradespeople have been absent, despite IRCC designating these groups as priority categories for 2025. The 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan has allocated 41,700 permanent resident spots for these individuals.
Express Entry Draw Summary for 2025
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS Score |
| 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 |
Should You Enter the Express Entry Pool with a Low CRS Score?
Many potential applicants hesitate to enter the Express Entry pool due to a low CRS score. However, being in the pool offers several advantages:
- CRS Score Variability – The CRS cut-off score fluctuates over time, and lower scores may still qualify in future draws. Candidates outside the pool miss out on these opportunities.
- Tie-breaking Rule Benefits – IRCC prioritizes candidates who submitted their profiles before a certain deadline, meaning early entry can improve your chances of receiving an ITA.
- Improving Your CRS Score Over Time – While in the pool, you can work on increasing your score by improving language proficiency, gaining more work experience, or earning additional educational qualifications.
- Access to Multiple Immigration Pathways – Having an active Express Entry profile makes you eligible for additional immigration programs, including enhanced PNP streams and regional pilot programs.
Conclusion
The latest Express Entry draws signal Canada’s ongoing efforts to attract skilled talent through the PNP and CEC streams. While the absence of category-based draws is notable, Express Entry remains a key pathway for many aspiring immigrants. If you’re considering Canadian immigration, staying in the Express Entry pool could improve your chances of securing permanent residency.
Stay updated on Express Entry trends and explore your eligibility today!