IRCC Conducts Two Express Entry Draws in March, Issuing 5,225 PR Invitations

In early March 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted two Express Entry draws, granting 5,225 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Canadian permanent residency.

Recent Express Entry Draw Details

• March 6, 2025: A French language proficiency-focused draw issued 4,500 ITAs. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cutoff was 410. The draw targeted candidates with high French language skills (NCLC 7).
• March 3, 2025: A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-specific draw issued 725 ITAs. The CRS score cutoff was 667.

Let us break down the details of the March 6th and March 3rd draws, see how your CRS score stacks up, and explore strategies to boost your profile for future opportunities.

CRS Score Distribution

As of March 3, 2025, the distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool was as follows:

As of March 3, 2025, the Express Entry pool is highly competitive, with the largest concentration of candidates holding CRS scores between 451 and 500. Few candidates achieve the highest CRS scores, making even minor improvements impactful. The trend highlights the importance of maximizing your CRS score.

With over 227,000 candidates in the pool, the data underscores the competitive nature of Canadian immigration through Express Entry. A strong CRS score is crucial to receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

What are the best ways to get an ITA?

Let us explore some of the proven strategies to boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA):

Upgrade Your Education

• Studying at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada increases CRS points
• Graduates from PGWP-eligible DLIs can get a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to gain Canadian work experience
• Many provinces prioritize graduates from DLIs for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Master Language Skills

• Aim for the highest possible scores in English (CELPIP, IELTS) or French (TEF/TCF) tests
• Bilingual candidates (English & French) gain additional CRS points.
• Retake tests to maximize CRS, as higher language proficiency significantly boosts rankings.

Gain Canadian Work Experience

• Canadian work experience boosts CRS and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) eligibility.
• Gain experience through PGWP, LMIA-based jobs, or ICT work permits.
• Many provinces prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience for nominations (+600 CRS).

Obtain a Provincial Nomination

• You can apply directly to a PNP program or create an Express Entry profile and wait for a notification of interest from a province.
• Some PNPs accept candidates based on skills, education, or work experience alone.
• A provincial nomination adds a massive 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA.

Express Entry provides a structured and efficient way for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada.

It operates under three main federal programs: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

How Do I Use Express Entry to Immigrate to Canada?

1. Create Your Express Entry Profile: Enter details like age, education, work experience, and language skills.
2. Determine Your Score: Receive a CRS score based on your profile.
3. Get ITA: IRCC will send Invitations to Apply (ITAs) once selected.
4. Submit Your Final Application: After receiving ITA, submit your complete application within 60 days.
5. Processing Time for PR: Processing typically takes about 5 months.

As the country continues to address labour shortages and support economic growth, now is an opportune time for candidates to enhance their profiles, whether by improving their language skills or pursuing a provincial nomination.

With 4,500 invitations issued to French-speaking candidates and another 725 to those nominated by provinces, these draws bring hope and opportunity to thousands. These draws highlight Canada's strategic approach to immigration, focusing on both Francophone communities outside Quebec and provincially nominated candidates in 2025.

As you await more Express Entry draws, keep your fingers crossed and stay optimistic. Meanwhile, don't forget to improve your CRS score by enhancing your skills, gaining experience, or exploring provincial nominations.

Stay tuned to our blogs for the latest updates and tips to maximize your chances.

We will keep you informed about upcoming draws and provide tips on how to stay ahead in the process.

Read to Know: Canada's 2025 Immigration Strategy: The Role of French Language Proficiency in Express Entry.