The most recent draw, conducted on March 21, 2025, targeted French-speaking applicants, awarding 7,500 ITAs to individuals with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 379. This move aligns with Canada’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its Francophone population outside Quebec.
Ottawa – In a continued effort to attract skilled professionals, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued a total of 8,036 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency through two recent Express Entry draws. The selection process focused on candidates with strong French language skills and those nominated through provincial programs.
March 21 Draw Prioritizes French-Speaking Candidates
The most recent draw, conducted on March 21, 2025, targeted French-speaking applicants, awarding 7,500 ITAs to individuals with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 379. This move aligns with Canada’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its Francophone population outside Quebec.
To determine eligibility, the IRCC applied a tie-breaking rule, considering profiles submitted before March 6, 2025. This approach ensures fairness in selection, giving preference to candidates who entered the pool earlier.
March 17 Draw for Provincial Nominees
A separate draw on March 17, 2025, focused on candidates nominated by Canadian provinces, issuing 536 ITAs. Due to the additional 600 CRS points awarded to provincial nominees, the minimum score for this round was significantly higher at 736. The tie-breaking rule for this draw was set for March 12, 2025.
Current data from the Express Entry pool indicates a substantial number of candidates—approximately 70,055—with CRS scores between 451 and 500. Immigration experts predict a potential drop in CRS cutoff scores for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates, possibly falling below 500 by the summer of 2025. Some projections suggest a further decline to around 490 by late spring, depending on the frequency and size of future draws.
Ways to Improve Express Entry Eligibility
For candidates seeking to enhance their chances of receiving an ITA, immigration experts recommend several key strategies:
Boosting language proficiency: Achieving higher Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels can significantly increase CRS scores, with improvements in test results adding 20-30 points.
Gaining Canadian work experience: Employment in Canada strengthens a candidate’s profile, particularly for those in the Canadian Experience Class.
Considering provincial nominations: Securing a nomination from a province provides an additional 600 CRS points, dramatically improving the likelihood of selection.
Updating Express Entry profiles: Ensuring accuracy and completeness in Express Entry applications helps avoid unnecessary point deductions due to outdated or incorrect information.
Canada’s Ongoing Immigration Strategy
The recent draws highlight Canada’s dedication to welcoming skilled workers, with a particular emphasis on bilingualism and provincial economic needs. The large number of ITAs issued reflects the country’s commitment to meeting labor market demands while offering new opportunities for prospective immigrants.
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