In the recent Express Entry draw on February 19, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 6500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the category-based selection criteria.
The draw required candidates to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 428. They also needed to have created their Express Entry profile before February 10, 2025.
In recent months, IRCC has primarily focused its Express Entry draws on Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. This strategy is part of IRCC's efforts to meet its landings target for the 2025-2026 period.
In February alone, IRCC issued 11,601 ITAs across various categories, including two Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and a Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
The "In-Canada Focus" category within the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan aims for 82,890 admissions in 2025.
In recent months, IRCC has actively issued ITAs through the Express Entry system. However, it's essential to realize that there is a difference between ITAs and landings.
An Invitation to Apply (ITA) allows candidates to apply for permanent residence.
On the other hand, a landing occurs when newcomers arrive in Canada after being approved for permanent residence and receiving their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) documents. This marks the final step of the PR process.
The Immigration Levels Plan focuses on landings rather than ITAs, aiming for yearly admissions targets.
| Draw Date | Draw Category | Invitations Issued (ITAs) | CRS Cut-off Score |
Feb-19 | French Language Proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
Feb-17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
Feb-05 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
Feb-04 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
Jan-23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
Jan-08 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
Jan-07 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
As mentioned earlier in the table, CRS scores are crucial for candidates in the Express Entry pool. Let us find out some of the top strategies to boost your CRS scores:
A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your profile, significantly increasing your chances of receiving an ITA. To obtain a PNP, you can apply directly to a province's PNP stream that matches your skills and experience or be invited through the Express Entry-linked PNP streams. You must meet specific criteria before planning to apply.
Candidates with foreign degrees can earn up to 200 points, while those with at least one Canadian post-secondary credential can earn up to 250 points. Obtaining an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees is essential to claiming these points. Pursuing further education demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, which is highly valued in the immigration process.
More years of skilled work experience (especially in Canada) can enhance your CRS score. For instance, three or more years of foreign work experience can yield up to 50 points when combined with strong language skills or at least one year of Canadian work experience. You must also ensure that your job duties align with Canada's National Occupation Classification (NOC) and maintain accurate documentation of your experiences.
Language skills can contribute up to 310 points for individual candidates and up to 320 points when combined with a spouse's or partner's scores. Achieving higher Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, especially in both English and French, can significantly increase your CRS score. You may improve your IELTS or TEF (French) scores to earn higher CRS points.
French proficiency can significantly improve your CRS score, as Canada highly values bilingualism. This was evident in the recent Express Entry draw on February 19, 2025, where 6,500 candidates with French language proficiency were invited to apply for PR.
Your age can significantly impact your CRS score, with candidates between 20 and 29 years earning the maximum points. You can receive 110 points if you fall under the 20-29 age category. Maintaining an optimal age profile is crucial for maximizing CRS scores.
Read to Know: IRCC Issues 4,000 Invitations in Second CEC Express Entry Draw of 2025
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